Updating MSC certification standards applicable from April 1, 2015

The Marine Stewardship Council (MSC) released its updated standard for sustainable fishing.

Version 2.0 Requirements MSC Fisheries Certification reflects the most current knowledge in fisheries science and management. This standard was developed the last two years, which included a year of consultation with fisheries experts, scientists, NGOs, and the extensive network of partners MSC. This standard includes the expertise of more than 70 stakeholders in fisheries around the world.

The updated standard raises the bar to a number of important issues, including mitigation of incidental fishing, vulnerable marine ecosystems and forced labor.

Agencies conformity assessment (CABs in English) will have six months to understand and implement the standard. Since April 1, 2015 any fishery enters MSC assessment must be evaluated against the updated standard. The fisheries are now certified under the MSC will have to apply the new standard in its first reevaluation starting after October 1, 2017.

"This is an exciting development for MSC. This adds rigor and makes it more robust MSC program which will lead to a positive and lasting impact on the health of the world's oceans, " explained the Director of Standards, Dr David Agnew.

10 Key updates included in the version 2.0 of the Certification Requirements MSC Fisheries:

1) Special considerations now ensure the protection of Vulnerable Marine Ecosystems (VMEs);

2) The MSC fisheries will not have the risk of generating negative cumulative impacts to bycatch species;

3) The fisheries need to regularly review alternative measures to reduce mortality of non-target species in the catches;

4) more stringent requirements ensure that finning does not occur in the MSC fisheries;

5) standard for all new defect has been introduced for the assessment of fisheries recruitment assisted salmon, after six years of discussion with stakeholders;

6) A new risk assessment framework (RBF) for habitats is now available for use in situations of limited data;

7) Audit Requirements for monitoring and reassessment reviewed have been developed with the intention of minimizing the cost of the assessment for clients of fisheries;

8) Review by Independent College couple has been created to provide a peer review process more standardized and effective;

9) requirements have been increased to provide more effective traceability of seafood from fisheries supply chain;

10) Processed companies where violations demonstrate, for forced labor are not eligible for the MSC certification.

As summarized by Dr. Agnew: "The MSC standard for sustainable fishing was created to ensure long-term sustainability of fish stocks and the marine environment impacted by fishing, for the benefit of fishermen time and our oceans.

"The standard for review of the fisheries included a wide and diverse interest groups travel from those who manage the fisheries and marine biologists to NGOs and conservationists.

Changes as a result of the revision of the Standard for Fisheries (FRS) and the review of speed and cost (SCR) have been incorporated in Version 2.0 Certification Requirements MSC, which will be used by CABs, third party to assess the sustainability of fisheries in the MSC program.

The new certification requirements allow the standard maintain consistency with international best practices in science and management. The FSR has also enabled the MSC remain in line with the guidelines for eco-labeling of FAO and code set standards for ISEAL.

For details on the standard for fisheries and a complete list of changes please visit www.msc.org

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Press Contact:

Micaela Vivero
Communications Manager—Americas
Marine Stewardship Council
(Seattle, WA)

SOURCE: Msc.org