A new report by Monterey Bay Aquarium’s Seafood Watch program has found that the Marine Stewardship Council (MSC) chain of custody standard is the only wild capture certification programme to meet Seafood Watch criteria for environmental sustainability.
As a result of this year-long study, Seafood Watch will describe all MSC certified fisheries as ‘buy recommendations’ to all its partners and to consumers.
The report also commented on the additional assurance that the MSC’s chain of custody standard for traceability offers consumers and seafood buyers.
"This independent study by one of the most respected and recognised marine conservation organisations in the world confirms again that the MSC program is working as intended; and that the rigor, credibility and impartiality of the MSC standard and its application continue to be judged the best in the world," said Rupert Howes, MSC chief executive.
Seafood Watch will now also highlight MSC certified fisheries in all information and guidance for consumers, chefs, and supply chain businesses, and will cease its own assessments of fisheries that are certified to the MSC standard.
