In spring 2012, the Marine Stewardship Council (MSC) began work to review their environmental fisheries standard. As required in the Food and Agriculture Organisation of the United Nations (FAO) ecolabelling guidelines and the International Social, Environment, Accreditation and Labelling Alliance (ISEAL) standard setting code, the MSC has committed to undertake a periodic review of the MSC environmental standard for sustainable fishing during 2013-14.
Public consultation on the MSC fishery standard has begun.
From the 22nd April until 1st June 2013, anyone can view the proposals and background information and share their expertise and experience through the consultation.
The review will focus on the 31 environmental performance indicators within the MSC default assessment tree and other fishery client performance requirements. Several existing policy development projects are being included in the fisheries standard review, including work related to benthic impacts, unit of certification, bycatch/discards and many others.
Over the last year, the MSC has consulted over 80 fisheries experts, scientists, advisers, environmental organisations and retailers from across the globe to help inform the content of the review. The independent MSC stakeholder council and technical advisory boards have both had detailed input into the scope of the review. In addition, the MSC has commissioned a significant amount of environmental research to inform the process.
How you can get involved
The first round of public consultation opens on 22nd April until 1st June 2013. The final round of consultation will take place during September – October 2013.
- Find out more about the MSC fishery standard review, read the program improvements consultation documents and sign up for updates at: http://improvements.msc.org/
- On Thursday 2nd May 2013, the MSC will host a number of webinars for anyone wishing to find out more (these webinars should suit all global time zones). If you would like to attend, please register at standards@msc.org
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The MSC will be hosting workshops:
- 3-4th July, London, UK.
- 24-25th July, Seattle, USA.
- October, date/location to be confirmed, Latin America.
If you would like to attend a workshop, please register your interest at standards@msc.org
Reviewing the Chain of Custody standard
In 2014, the MSC will begin the process of the five year review of the supply chain standard. This standard is in place to ensure traceability and a chain of custody for MSC certified seafood.
Any questions on the fishery standard review should be sent to standards@msc.org
Source: Marine Stewardship Council
