In line with the rapid growth of fisheries entering its seafood ecolabel and certification programme, the Marine Stewardship Council (MSC) has increased the number of Independent Adjudicators that are available to review and resolve contested certifier decisions.
As set out by the FAO, an impartial objections procedure is an integral and important part of a credible, third party certification system and the MSC fishery assessment process provides for a fair and transparent review of contested certifier decisions that is independent of the certifier, objector, and the MSC.
The role of an Independent Adjudicator is to ensure specific concerns on a fishery certification meet the expected Principles and Criteria of the MSC standard for a well managed and sustainable fishery. As such, significant and specialist legal background and qualifications are necessary to assess an objection and identify arbitrariness, or other serious irregularities in the assessment process that made a material difference to the outcome and fairness of the assessment.
The new Independent Adjudicators
Melanie Carter is a UK based lawyer with over 25 years experience working as a lawyer in public and administrative law and In 1997, she joined Bates, Wells & Braithwaite LLP, a firm of solicitors known for their charity and public law practice.
Eldon Greenberg is a partner in the Washington, D.C. office of the law firm of Garvey Schubert Barer.
Wylie Spicer is a Canadian barrister and solicitor with 35 years of experience focusing on maritime law, public inquiries in maritime and human rights questions and complex litigation.
