Marine Stewardship Council

(impact on the environment) Stock recovery

Certification has been linked to substantial recoveries in severely depleted populations, e.g. Patagonian Toothfish and Namibian Hake

On-the-water improvements

94% of fisheries entering the program have made at least one improvement to meet/maintain standards, totalling over 1,200 examples of change since 2000

Bycatch & habitat

Fisheries have implemented measures e.g. mapping seabeds to avoid vulnerable habitats & casting lines at night to prevent bird entanglements. Between 2022 & 2025: reported 175 improvements benefitting endangered, threatened, and protected species

(Impact on producers) Market access & stability

Certification often provides access to high-value markets where retailers (esp. in Northern regions) require sustainable sourcing as a prerequisite

Reputation & social licence

Fishers frequently cite improved reputation as a primary benefit, which can help secure their "social licence to operate"

Capacity building

provides tools and funding, e.g. the Ocean Stewardship Fund, which awarded $2.2 million in 2024-2025 to support 85 fisheries & projects

(Impact on consumers) Empowered decision-making

label allows consumers to "vote with their wallets," enabling them to support ocean health & sustainable fishing practices directly

Increased brand trust

Research shows 62% of consumers have higher trust & confidence in brands & supermarkets that use independent ecolabels to verify their sustainability claims

Guaranteed traceability

certification ensures seafood is traceable from the ocean to the plate, cutting through vague marketing claims with credible, 3^rd party proof

Ocean preservation for the future

Buying MSC-certified products gives 62% of shoppers the assurance that they’re helping ensure "plenty more fish for future generations"

Educational engagement

Brands often use certification as a platform to educate consumers on marine biodiversity & importance of responsible sourcing