Many businesses already source seafood from Fishery Improvement Projects (FIPs) as part of their sustainable sourcing commitments. Through our Improvement Program, the MSC will provide stronger assurance that FIPs are progressing toward sustainability.
The MSC Improvement Program recognises the most effective FIPs, with the aim that they enter assessment against the MSC Fisheries Standard within five years. This offers a structured, measurable path towards more MSC certified products.
Products from fisheries in the Improvement Program will not be eligible to use the MSC label. However, once fisheries achieve certain performance requirements, they may gain access to MSC certified supply chains. As an added incentive, retail products containing their seafood can display a back-of-pack statement indicating their participation in the program.
For suppliers, retailers, brands and foodservice companies the MSC Improvement program provides opportunities to:
- Support improving fisheries and integrate product 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 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:
| Description: | List of fisheries in the MSC In-Transition to MSC (ITM) program pilot. |
|---|---|
| Language: | English |
| Date of issue: | 17 July 2024 |
| Date effective: | 17 July 2024 |
PDF - 1 MB
MSC Improvement Program
