Close to 38% of global fish stocks are overfished, according to the UN’s 2024 fisheries report. 25% of the UK’s national landings now come from MSC certified fisheries, as do 8% of the Republic of Ireland’s. Yet the necessity for widespread, well-managed fisheries is more urgent than ever and progress needs to be rapid.
There are 17 fisheries across the UK and Ireland, and over 500 more worldwide, that are already certified to the MSC Fisheries Standard, the leading benchmark for sustainable fishing. However many other fisheries still face obstacles to achieving sustainability.
For fisheries not yet operating at a level that meets the MSC Standard, the MSC Improvement Program provides a framework to make progress.
It complements the existing efforts of the many fisheries improvement projects (FIPs) working around the world.
Fisheries in the Program are expected to improve stock management and environmental impacts so they can meet the Fisheries Standard within five years. To achieve this, they will:
- Undergo an independent assessment to identify necessary improvements
- Measurably improve practices in line with a viable action plan
- Receive regular reviews of progress by accredited independent assessment bodies
From 31 January, 2025, products from fisheries in the MSC Improvement Program may carry a statement on the back of packaging once they achieve minimum performance requirements across all indicators. They cannot use the blue MSC ecolabel, which is reserved for products from certified sustainable fisheries.
The Improvement Program for partners
Improvement in action
The In-Transition to MSC pilot program, which began in 2019, laid the groundwork for the MSC Improvement Program. The pilot required fisheries to seek regular independent verification of improvements being made towards meeting our Standard.
In August 2024, ICV Africa, a component of the South African Albacore tuna pole and line fishery became the first fishery to successfully achieve MSC sustainability certification following inclusion in the ITM program.
“The MSC works with hundreds of committed fisheries around the world that are leaders in sustainability. However, not all fisheries are currently able to meet our Fisheries Standard, despite the growing urgency. This initiative aims to incentivise fisheries to improve their sustainability practices. In doing so, we support not only the health of the oceans and future seafood supplies but also the livelihoods of the communities that rely on fishing”
MSC
Improvements in the UK
In the UK, the MSC has seen success with its work on fisheries improvements, through its secretariat support for Project UK, which leads a series of FIPs nationwide. Project UK aims to move UK fisheries towards a more sustainable fishing future, step by step, with reaching the gold standard of MSC certification as the ultimate goal.
“The launch of MSC’s new Improvement Program marks a significant milestone for UK fisheries wishing to make improvements to their practices. It provides a tool to support them towards gaining MSC certification for their landings, and market recognition for their efforts in getting there. We’re looking forward to working with our fishery partners here in the UK and using this tool for future Project UK rounds that are in the planning at the moment.”
MSC
25% of the UK’s national landings, are engaged in the MSC programme. The MSC Improvement Program can really help to bolster and improve the future market and availability of certified sustainable options for people who look for sustainable products when they shop.
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