As an MEP for the Swedish Green Party, Engström has represented Sweden since 2014 and was also Vice Chair of the European Parliament Fisheries Committee (PECH), driving work on legislation that would provide more stringent control and transparency in international fishing. She has also written a book on fishing in Senegal called ‘Queen-fish - recipe for sustainable development’.
Linnéa Engström, Program Director for the Scandinavia and the Baltic Sea Region at the MSC said: “Overfishing and illegal fishing threaten the entire marine ecosystem. The MSC has an important role to play in creating long-term sustainable fishing. For me, it is therefore a dream job to contribute to MSC's work to protect our oceans’ future.”
Camiel Derichs, Regional Director in Europe at the MSC said: “I am delighted to welcome Linnéa to the MSC team in Europe. Her experience in European parliament - engaging in the development of the fisheries policy - will bring much value to the MSC. We hope that the opportunities that the MSC programme offers to fisheries, will continue to incentivise sustainable practices.”
Engström will take over from Minna Epps, who has accepted a position at the International Union for the Conservation of Nature (IUCN) leading the Global Marine and Polar Programme. After spending 8 years at the MSC, she said: “It feels great to be able to hand over to someone who is so passionate about sustainable fishing. Linnéa Engström knows EU fisheries policy inside out. Her experience from the European parliament will help ensure that MSC-labeled seafood get an even more prominent role - both in the debates and on our plates.”