Skip to main content

Marine Stewardship Council

The Marine Stewardship Council (MSC) is a global organization that promotes sustainable fishing practices and provides a label for seafood products that meet strict environmental standards. The MSC was founded in 1997 as a joint venture between the World Wildlife Fund (WWF) and Unilever, a multinational consumer goods company. Its mission is to use market forces to promote environmentally responsible practices up and down the seafood supply chain.

Labeling Seafood for Sustainability​

The MSC's flagship program is its certification scheme, which provides a label that consumers can trust when buying seafood. To earn the MSC label, fishing companies must demonstrate that their operations meet rigorous standards for sustainability, including:

  • Minimizing bycatch and discarding of unwanted catch
  • Protecting habitats such as coral reefs and seagrass beds
  • Implementing responsible fishing gear and practices
  • Engaging with local communities and stakeholders

Companies that meet these standards can display the MSC logo on their packaging or in their restaurants, giving consumers confidence that they are supporting sustainable seafood. The label is widely recognized and respected by consumers, industry professionals, and governments around the world.

Benefits of Sustainable Seafood​

The benefits of sustainable seafood go beyond just protecting the environment. By promoting responsible fishing practices, the MSC also helps to:

  • Preserve fish stocks for future generations
  • Support local economies and communities through sustainable fishing
  • Improve working conditions and safety on fishing vessels
  • Enhance consumer trust in the seafood industry

As demand for sustainable seafood continues to grow, the Marine Stewardship Council is playing an increasingly important role in promoting environmentally responsible practices throughout the global seafood supply chain.