The Marine Stewardship Council, which promotes sustainable fishing, wants 20 per cent of the global catch to be certified or engaged in MSC programmes by 2020
The Marine Stewardship Council (MSC) has today unveiled new targets to significantly boost the proportion of sustainably caught seafood around the world as part of a 2020 vision launched to mark the non-profit’s 20th anniversary.
Established in 1997 by WWF and Unilever, the MSC runs a certification programme that recognises sustainable fishing practices, and also campaigns for a more sustainable seafood sector.
The MSC said it is now aiming for 20 per cent of the global marine catch to be certified under the MSC standard or engaged in the MSC programme by 2020, rising to more than a third by 2030. Currently, only about 12 per cent of the global marine catch is MSC certified.
And despite progress on preserving certain species, overfishing is still a major global issue. Last summer scientists from the UN’s Food and Agriculture Organisation reported 90 per cent of the commercial fish stocks are overfished or fully fished, with almost a third of stocks being caught at “biologically unsustainable levels”.
“While there is much to celebrate, there is also a growing sense of urgency to address unsustainable fishing and deliver Sustainable Development Goals,” MSC chief executive Rupert Howes admitted in a statement. “This is a critical time for our oceans. The MSC’s new strategy prioritises those parts of the world, species and markets which can have the most significant impact on the health of our oceans. It remains true to the vision of our founders, building on the lessons of the past.”
The MSC plans to boost the number of certified fisheries by targeting a number of ‘priority species’, including squid, octopus, tuna, crab, and seaweed. It also plans to focus on expanding its reach in the Global South with the aim of doubling the number of fisheries there involved in its programme.
In addition, as part of the new strategy the non-profit has promised to work closely with the commercial sector to build consumer demand for sustainable seafood in key markets, including Germany, the UK, the US, China and Japan.
Incisive Business Media (IP) Limited, Published by Incisive Business Media Limited