The Marine Stewardship Council (MSC) has launched a new initiative aimed at accelerating progress in sustainable fishing practices worldwide. Over 500 fisheries have been certified according to the MSC’s rigorous Fisheries Standard, recognised as the leading global certification programme for environmentally sustainable fisheries.
However, with overfishing on the rise—nearly 38% of global fish stocks are now overfished, according to the latest UN data—there is an urgent need for more rapid progress. The new MSC Improvement Program seeks to address this by offering fisheries support and incentives, provided they make measurable improvements over a five-year period. These improvements will be guided by an action plan that is independently verified.
This initiative complements existing Fishery Improvement Projects (FIPs), which operate globally, and the MSC Improvement Program has the specific ultimate goal of helping fisheries achieve MSC certification. While many businesses already source seafood from FIPs as part of their sustainable sourcing commitments, the effectiveness and impact of these projects can vary significantly. Through its Improvement Program, the MSC will provide stronger assurance that FIPs’ progress are verified and timely. The Program will recognise the most effective FIPs with the aim that they enter full assessment against the MSC Fisheries Standard within five years.
Amanda Lejbowicz, MSC’s Head of Fishery Standard Accessibility, stated: “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 new 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.”
Fisheries participating in the MSC Improvement Program will not be eligible to use the blue MSC ecolabel as their catch is not certified sustainable. However, once they achieve minimum performance requirements across all indicators and meet specific conditions for MSC's Chain of Custody, 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.
The MSC Improvement Program builds on a previous pilot initiative, which ran for several years. The first certification resulting from the pilot was awarded in August 2024 to part of the South African Albacore fishery.
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.
Lisa Bennett, MSC UK and Ireland Senior Fisheries Outreach Manager, said: “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.
“25% of the UK’s national landings, are engaged in the MSC programme. This is where 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.”