MarinTrust and MSC foster cooperation

The memorandum of agreement signed on 15 October aims to improve understanding of both programmes, reduce duplication and foster greater efficiency for marine ingredient producers.

“This collaboration reflects both organisations’ shared commitment to improving fisheries management and addressing the increasing demand for responsible marine ingredients,” explained Libby Woodhatch, executive chair at MarinTrust.

“This agreement aims to clarify and recognise that both programmes are complementary yet different.”

Nicolas Guichoux, chief programme officer at MSC, agreed, saying: “The core of this agreement is to recognise that both programmes share an interest in positioning robust assurance – based on credible third-party certification – as the preferable tool for the marine ingredients industry to demonstrate responsible sourcing.”

Key differences between the MSC and MarinTrust certification programs include their units of certification and scope.

MSC provides certification for fisheries and seafood supply chain participants, covering fish stock health, ecosystem impacts, and traceability through the Chain of Custody.

MarinTrust focuses on marine ingredient producers, certifying production facilities and responsible sourcing of raw materials, which must be MarinTrust-approved.

MarinTrust’s Chain of Custody applies to marine ingredient processing or storage facilities. MSC covers all wild-catch fisheries, while MarinTrust targets marine ingredient production, with both standards applicable through the supply chain, including feed and pet food producers.