The impact on communities

For many, sustainable fishing is a necessity, not a luxury. The alternatives are poverty, malnutrition, and hunger. 

With increasing population levels and challenges like climate change, sustainable fishing is vital to ensure food security and to protect the livelihoods of millions of people around the world. In fact, about 200 million people are directly or indirectly employed in fish and seafood industries.

According to the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization (UN FAO):

Sustainable fishing, sustainable communities

The MSC encourages responsible fisheries management and sustainable practices to protect the future of fishing communities.

Fishing is often a family business – future generations will only benefit if oceans remain healthy. Responsible fishers are choosing to fish sustainably in order to pass on their treasured way of life. 37% of the world’s population live in coastal communities where whole families are often employed in fishing. Women account for most of the workers in secondary marine-related activities such as fish processing and marketing.

Buying MSC certified fish and seafood helps sustain the livelihoods of those fishing responsibly.