THE MSC CERTIFICATION
Photo by Reggie Carelse, Skipper of Harvest Camissa
The South African trawl fishery for hake is certified by the Marine Stewardship Council (MSC), the world’s leading certification and eco-labelling programme for sustainable wild-caught seafood.
The MSC Standard is rigorous and takes into account the entire fishery and the ecosystem on which it depends. It has three core principles:
- Sustainable fish stocks: Are enough fish left in the ocean? Fishing must be at a level that ensures the fishery can continue indefinitely and the fish population can remain productive and healthy.
- Minimising environmental impact: What are the impacts of fishing? Fishing activity must be managed carefully so that other species and habitats within the ecosystem remain healthy.
- Effective fisheries management: Are operations well managed? The fishery must comply with relevant laws and be able to adapt to changing environmental circumstances.
The South African trawl fishery for hake is one of 674 fisheries around the world that have been certified to the MSC’s sustainability standard. Fisheries representing more than 19% of the world’s wild marine catch are engaged with the MSC certification programme (either certified or in assessment).
MSC assessment of the South African trawl fishery (2021)
MSC assessment of the South African trawl fishery (2015)
MSC assessment of the South African trawl fishery (2009)
The South African trawl fishery for hake is certified as “sustainable and well-managed” by the Marine Stewardship Council.
About the Marine Stewardship Council
The MSC was established in 1997 by Unilever – at the time the world’s largest buyer of seafood – and the conservation organisation, WWF, in response to concerns about the global state of commercial fisheries.
Since then, the MSC has developed into an independent global organisation that works with fisheries, seafood companies, scientists, conservation groups and the general public to promote and incentivise sustainable fishing.
The MSC maintains a system of ecolabelling which is a tool for promoting the sustainability of fish resources by letting a buyer know their fish has been caught with the least possible harm to the natural environment.