Acceler­ating sustain­able fisheries with MSC initiative

The Marine Stewardship Council (MSC) has launched a new initiative aimed at accelerating sustainable fishing practices worldwide. Currently, over 500 fisheries meet the MSC’s strict standard, recognized as the global benchmark for sustainable fishing. Yet, pressure on fish stocks remains high; according to the latest UN data, nearly 38% of fish stocks are overfished. Through the MSC Improvement Program, the MSC aims to address this by offering specific support and incentives to fisheries that achieve measurable improvements within five years. Progress will be tracked through an action plan and independently verified.

Strengthening existing initiatives

This new program complements the current Fishery Improvement Projects (FIPs), already implemented globally. While many companies source fish from FIPs as part of their sustainable procurement, the effectiveness of these projects can vary. The MSC Improvement Program provides a stronger guarantee: within five years, participating fisheries are expected to be on track for MSC certification. The goal is to elevate sustainability across the fisheries sector and minimize ecological impact worldwide.

Incentives and traceability

Fisheries participating in this MSC program are not yet eligible to use the MSC ecolabel, as their catch is not certified as sustainable. However, once they meet the minimum performance and traceability requirements, they gain access to MSC-certified supply chains. Additionally, retail products featuring fish from this program may include a statement on the packaging about their participation. The MSC Improvement Program builds on a multi-year pilot phase, with the first certification from this phase awarded in August 2024 to part of the South African Albacore fishery.

Msc.org