Record Number of Fisheries Engaged in MSC Global Program

More fisheries than ever before are working with the MSC Program, as global momentum for sustainable seafood continues, according to the organization’s annual report, Progress and Partnership in Sustainable Seafood. 

Of the 600 fisheries certified to the MSC Fishery Standard, the leading benchmark for sustainable fishing, a record 115 were re-certified in 2025/2026. New Zealand’s hoki fishery achieved its fifth recertification, celebrating 25 years in the Program.

Many certified fisheries have made significant improvements to their fishing practices. For example, before recertification, the Namibia hake trawl and longline fishery strengthened its stock assessments, improved the protection of sensitive habitats, and reduced impacts on seals and seabirds.

More than 70% of the global whitefish catch and over half of the world’s global tuna catch comes from certified fisheries. Overall, fisheries engaged with the MSC represent almost a fifth of the global marine catch – a remarkable achievement of collective commitment from the MSC’s fishing and supply chain partners which source certified, ecolabeled seafood. 

The MSC recognizes that not all fisheries are ready to meet the stringent requirements of its Fisheries Standard, and its Improvement Program aims to support fisheries working towards entering assessment within five years.

According to the annual report, the Improvement Program now includes 40 fisheries across countries ranging from Ecuador, Canada and Indonesia. These include the Peruvian Giant Squid fishery, the world’s largest squid fishery. This fishery entered the Improvement Program in 2025, and its 4500 artisanal vessels account for 30% of the global squid harvest.

The MSC is a voluntary, market-driven program, that uses incentive of retail and consumer demand, to recognise and reward sustainable fishing practises. The success of this model is evident in the 2025/2026 results; the volume and value of ecolabeled products reached new milestones of 1.5 million tonnes and US$1.6 billion sales respectively. Demand for certified sustainable tuna surged, with sales increasing by 30%.

Rupert Howes, Chief Executive of the MSC, paid tribute to the leadership of its partners: “For almost three decades, the MSC has been part of a remarkable collective commitment, working with partners throughout the seafood sector to transform seafood markets, raise standards and drive positive change on the water. The record number of fisheries engaged with our Program, is testament to that commitment.

However, we are not complacent. We need 100% of the ocean to be managed sustainably. Against a backdrop of global backdrop of climate change and geopolitical upheaval, our ocean is under unprecedented strain and the need to accelerate the delivery of the MSC’s vision has therefore never been greater.”

As the annual report figures show, the MSC has also awarded £9 million in grants through its Ocean Stewardship Fund since 2019. This has supported improvements and critical research that help fisheries improve their sustainability practices.