Buyers, retailers and shoppers are navigating an increasing number of seafood labels. We are often asked what makes the Marine Stewardship Council (MSC) stand out in comparison to other labelling and seafood certification programs. Here’s a summary of the key points.
How does MSC compare to other seafood labels?
MSC's Science & Standards Director, Dr David Agnew explains how MSC compares to other seafood labels
Study says global fish catch is higher than reported, but there is hope
David Agnew, MSC Director of Science and Standards, responds to a report about global fish catch.
I cannot over emphasise the importance of our oceans. Not only do they provide a vital source of protein, a playground for recreation and our first line of defence against climate change, it is estimated that some one billion people rely on the oceans for their livelihood.
A new analysis of global fish catch published this week by scientists at the University of British Colombia serves as a timely reminder of the contribution that fishing makes to food security and the potential it has to damage marine ecosystems if not managed effectively.
The findings make a strong case for the need for sustainability and good management of our oceans resources. Something that the MSC program is tackling across the world.
20 years of responsible fishing: celebrating the FAO Code of Conduct
Video: Dr David Agnew discusses the importance of the FAO Code of Conduct for Responsible Fisheries.
In October 1995, 170 nations came together to adopt the Code of Conduct for Responsible Fisheries. The document, formulated by the UN’s Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), consists of guidelines for sustainable fisheries management. It represents a global consensus on a range of fisheries and aquaculture issues.
Krill, fishing and penguins
Dr David Agnew of the Marine Stewardship Council asks is krill fishing in the Antarctic damaging penguin populations?
Krill, a tiny shrimp-like creature commonly used in fish oil supplements due to its high ‘Omega 3’ oil content, has been the subject of considerable discussion in environmental circles. I’ve talked before about why there won’t be a sudden expansion of the krill fishery and today I’d like to address a different issue: is krill fishing harming penguin populations? The suggestion that krill fishing is damaging krill and penguin populations in the Antarctic should be taken very seriously and is a topic I feel it is important to address.
Tackling illegal fishing one certificate at a time
Marine Stewardship Council Standards director David Agnew talks about the MSC's stance on the issue of Illegal, Unreported, and Unregulated (IUU) Fishing.
Illegal, unregulated and unreported fishing (known as IUU fishing) is a major global problem which undermines the international community’s efforts to protect oceans for a sustainable future.
Estimated to be worth some $10-23.5 billion annually, IUU fishing damages the livelihoods of legitimate fishing operations and communities. In some parts of the world, total catches are estimated to be up to 40% higher than reported catches. Such levels of exploitation severely hamper the sustainable management of the marine ecosystem. IUU fishing covers a wide range of activities: non-compliance with regulations, non-reporting of catch, unregulated activity in high seas waters, and “fish piracy” – fishing without licences.
