The MSC Evidence Requirements Framework

What is the Evidence Requirements Framework?

The Evidence Requirements Framework is a procedure set out in the  in the MSC Fisheries Standard Toolbox and was published alongside the MSC Fisheries Standard Version 3 in October 2022.

It provides assessors with a systematic method to evaluate the accuracy and precision of information available to assess a fishery’s environmental impacts and compliance with monitoring regulations.

It focuses on the evaluation of fisheries' information systems, including how information is collected, reported, handled and analysed. 

A review of the Evidence Requirements Framework is currently underway. 

When should the Evidence Requirements Framework be used?

The Evidence Requirements Framework is a mandatory tool that must be used in every fishery assessment against Version 3.1 of the Fisheries Standard. 

It is primarily used to evaluate the accuracy and precision of information available to assess a fishery’s environmental impacts under Principle 2 of the Standard. It is also used in the evaluation of requirements on shark finning and compliance within Principle 1 and Principle 3, respectively.

Reviewing the Evidence Requirements Framework

A review of the Evidence Requirements Framework is underway, led by an external panel of fisheries assessment experts. It is part of the wider Fisheries Standard Toolbox review, which also includes a review of the Risk-based Framework. 

The review was launched in July 2024 in response to feedback from our stakeholders, including independent assessors and fishery representatives, that aspects of the framework are complex and difficult to apply during assessments.

A 60-day public consultation on the proposed revisions to the Evidence Requirements Framework will launch on Thursday 10 July.

You can also register to attend our webinar, which will be held on 23 July 2025, and will discuss the proposed revisions.