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Fisheries don’t stop improving once they become MSC certified. They make a long-term commitment to sustainability and to keep up with global best practice.

Why do MSC certified fisheries need improving?

To be certified as sustainable, fisheries must score an average of at least 80 out of 100 for each of the MSC Fisheries Standard’s three principles: sustainable stocks, environmental impacts and effective management.

Fisheries improve significantly as they stay in the program.

The graph below shows the distribution of scores from all currently certified fisheries that have completed at least two full assessments against the MSC Fisheries Standard – typically, this reflects changes over five years. For all three principles there is a statistically significant improvement between the average (median) score when they join the program and at the end of the first certification period. 

Graph showing pattern of average improvements in scoring for MSC certified fisheries over time

How does the MSC drive fisheries sustainability?

Each principle of the Fisheries Standard is made up of 25 indicators. If a certified fishery scores less than 80/100 on an individual indicator, it will be set a ‘condition of certification’ by the independent assessor. The fishery must then implement a plan of action to make improvements that will bring it up to global best practice. If conditions are not met within the certification period (usually 5 years), the fishery is suspended from the MSC program.

Over 95% of certified fisheries have successfully completed at least one condition. Conditions drive continual improvement towards global best practice in fisheries sustainability.

What improvements have been made?

Completing one condition can lead to a wide range of improvements. By March 2024, MSC certified fisheries had recorded over 2,362 different improvements.

Sometimes, one action produces multiple improvements. For example, modifying gear types could reduce bycatch of a range of species.

Improvements by MSC certified fisheries over the last three years: 417

146

improvements benefitting endangered, threatened and protected species, and reducing bycatch

118

improvements benefitting stock  status and harvest strategies

74

improvements benefitting fishery management, governance and policy

79

improvements benefitting  ecosystems and habitats 

Case studies

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Our collective impact

Our collective impact

For 20 over years fisheries, scientists, consumers and industry have been part of a collective effort to make sure our oceans are fished sustainably.

What is sustainable fishing?

What is sustainable fishing?

Sustainable fishing means leaving enough fish in the ocean, respecting habitats and ensuring people who depend on fishing can maintain their livelihoods.