Global demand for sustainable seafood is continuing to rise as more fisheries adopt the Marine Stewardship Council (MSC) standards.
A total of 738 fisheries are now engaged in the MSC programme – 22 more than last year – representing about 20% of the world’s wild marine catch. This growth is driven by consumers and supply chains seeking trusted, sustainable seafood options.
More Fisheries Joining
According to the MSC annual report Working Together for Sustainable Seafood, the fisheries involved in the programme now cover 80% of the global whitefish catch and 60% of wild salmon. The MSC sets strict rules to maintain healthy fish stocks and minimise harm to marine environments.
Rising Market for Certified Products
Sales of MSC-labelled products grew by 8% in the past year, reaching a retail value of US$14 billion. This means that more consumers can choose seafood that supports ocean health. MSC-labelled seafood now encompasses more than 200 species across numerous global markets.
Tuna Shows Strong Improvement
Tuna is a key area of progress. There are now 203 tuna fisheries in the programme, with 300,000 tonnes of MSC-labelled tuna sold – a rise of 30% compared to the previous year.
Several tuna fisheries have implemented long-term harvest strategies to protect their stocks, including those targeting Western Central Pacific skipjack and North Pacific albacore.
Call for Faster Action
MSC Chief Executive Rupert Howes said sustainable fisheries are vital for global food security. However, he warned that climate impacts are increasing, and more action is needed from governments, industry, and consumers to secure healthy oceans for the future.