MSC Improvement Program

Supporting Fishery Improvement Projects (FIPs) worldwide

Over 500 fisheries globally are certified to the MSC Standard, but many others face challenges in achieving this level of sustainability. The MSC Improvement Program provides a pathway supporting existing Fishery Improvement Projects (FIPs) to help fisheries make measurable improvements in stock management and reduce environmental impacts.

Fisheries in the MSC Improvement Program must:

• Undergo independent assessments to identify improvement areas
• Implement and monitor a structured action plan
• Have progress regularly verified by accredited assessment bodies
  

Benefits of joining the MSC Improvement Program

For fisheries not yet able to meet the MSC Standard, the MSC Improvement Program offers a clear, structured route to sustainability. It includes improvement tools that help fisheries identify needed changes, plan actions, and monitor progress. Independent verification by Conformity Assessment Bodies (CABs) strengthens transparency and credibility, helping fisheries demonstrate their commitment to stakeholders.

By participating in the MSC Improvement Program, fisheries gain access to MSC-certified supply chains, reaching broader sustainability-focused markets.

Fisheries in the program cannot display the MSC blue fish tick label, which is reserved for fully certified products. Instead, they can include a statement on packaging indicating their commitment to sustainable practices.

Program stages

The Fishery Improvement Program has three main stages:

1. Entry assessment: A CAB assesses a fishery’s eligibility. If eligible, the CAB submits the application on the fishery’s behalf
2. Progress reviews: CABs verify that the fishery’s improvements align with its action plan, helping it to score better on performance indicators aligned with the MSC Fisheries Standard
3. Final assessment against the MSC Standard: Fisheries aim to meet the MSC Standard within five years, establishing their long-term commitment to sustainability

Applying to the MSC Improvement Program

Applications to the MSC Improvement Program are accepted year-round. To qualify, a fishery must:

• Be committed to achieving certification and plan on entering assessment against the MSC Fisheries Standard within five years 

• Be within the scope of the MSC program 

• Have completed an MSC pre-assessment in the last three years that uses the full scoring sections in the current MSC pre-assessment template. This must have been conducted or verified by an accredited conformity assessment body (CAB) 

• Or, have a valid MSC assessment report 

• Develop an improvement action plan that is verified by a CAB 

• Use the defined MSC improvement tools, including the MSC benchmarking and tracking tool and progress verification reporting template, to track progress against the MSC Fisheries Standard 

• Have a project manager who can dedicate time to implementing improvements 

Get help with applying

The program is open year-round to applications from fisheries that meet the eligibility requirements.  

If you are interested in applying or want to know more about the program, please contact us.

Apply for financial support 

Fisheries with verified action plans can apply to our Transition Assistance Fund. The fund covers the costs of implementing improvements and those associated with progress verification.  

For supply chain partners

For suppliers, retailers, brands and foodservice companies, the MSC Improvement program provides opportunities to:

• Support improving fisheries and integrate them into your seafood sourcing strategy
• Source seafood from improving fisheries through MSC Chain of Custody certified suppliers, offering the same traceability as MSC certified product
• Offer consumer assurance through back-of-pack claims
• Access verification reports showing progress against defined milestones provided by accredited auditors

Fisheries in the MSC Improvement Program

Fisheries adhering to the MSC Improvement Program requirements (version 2.0 and 3.0) are listed on Track a Fishery (English only). Fisheries in the program can be found by filtering the Unit of Certification status and selecting 'MSC Improvement program'.  

View the list of fisheries adhering to version 1.0 of the Improvement program requirements.

Accelerating sustainable fishing practices and program impact

The MSC Improvement Program drives global sustainability by guiding fisheries to adopt responsible practices that protect marine environments. Established through the 2019 In-Transition to MSC (ITM) pilot, which demonstrated the effectiveness of structured, verified improvements, the program enables fisheries to work towards full MSC certification. A prime example of its success is ICV Africa, part of the South African albacore tuna fishery, which earned MSC certification in 2024.