Whitefish sustainability reaches major milestone

This marks a significant achievement for the global seafood industry and highlights the impact of decades-long commitments to responsible fishing.

The yearbook celebrates long-standing certifications, such as 20 years for Alaska pollock and South African hake, and nearly 25 years for New Zealand hoki. It also spotlights recent successes, including the certification of Australia’s orange roughy fishery after over ten years of recovery efforts.

“Whitefish represents one of the most compelling sustainability success stories in seafood,” said Nicolas Guichoux, MSC’s chief program officer. “Many of these fisheries have now maintained certification for decades and continued to improve their practices, demonstrating not only their long-term commitment to operating responsibly but the clear commercial incentive of doing so as well.”

Currently, over 60 whitefish species, from pollock and cod to lesser-known varieties like pikeperch and sablefish, carry the MSC label. Whitefish now accounts for nearly half of all seafood engaged with MSC’s certification, assessment or improvement programs.

The report outlines how steady supplies of certified whitefish are fuelling innovation across the supply chain, from surimi and frozen meals to ready-to-eat options in restaurants. It also names top whitefish brands by country for the first time.

“By partnering with some of the world’s best-managed whitefish fisheries, we’re helping to build a more resilient, responsible supply chain for now and generations to come,” added Guichoux.