The Marine Stewardship Council (MSC) has been recognised by the UN’s Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) for its leading role in promoting sustainable fisheries worldwide.
The announcement was made in Rome during the FAO’s first Global Technical Recognition Ceremony, held as part of the World Food Forum.
A milestone for global fisheries
The FAO honoured the MSC in the Sustainable Aquatic Food Systems category, acknowledging its measurable global impact and ability to inspire responsible fishing across regions.
FAO Director-General Qu Dongyu and Fisheries and Aquaculture Division Director Manuel Barange presented the award.
MSC Chief Executive Rupert Howes said the honour reflected not only the organisation’s achievements but also the collective efforts of “fishers, retailers, processors and stakeholders whose dedication to sustainability is driving change on the water.”
He added that as the FAO’s Code of Conduct for Responsible Fishing marks its 30th anniversary, the MSC and its partners can be proud of their progress — but that “there is still more important work to do to secure a thriving ocean for future generations.”
Global reach and lasting impact
Founded in 1997, the MSC built its standard on the FAO’s 1995 Code of Conduct for Responsible Fisheries. Today, 738 fisheries across 63 countries — representing more than one-fifth of the world’s marine catch — are engaged with the MSC programme.
Certified fisheries must show healthy fish stocks, low environmental impact and sound management. The recognition also highlights the MSC’s contribution to the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals and the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework, which aims to halt biodiversity loss by 2030.