With the sustainability of marine ecosystems and responsible fishing practices at stake, the MSC is committed to advancing research on bycatch management.
Whether it involves reducing the capture of vulnerable species or juvenile fish, or by limiting discards, these efforts are essential to safeguarding marine biodiversity.
Reducing impacts on habitats and nursery grounds is also critical to enabling sustainable fishing. Continuous improvement in bycatch management is a key component of the MSC Fisheries Standard.
research
Managing impacts on vulnerable species
The MSC is studying improvements made by fisheries to reduce impacts on endangered, threatened and protected species as they work towards meeting best-practice levels in the MSC Fisheries Standard.
research
Fishing gear innovation to reduce environmental impacts
We are collaborating with partners from academia, fishing technology industries and advisory councils to ensure that gears developed to reduce fishing impacts also meet MSC Fisheries Standard requirements.
Explainer
What is bycatch and how can it be managed?
An overview of of the problems and management solutions for unwanted catch.
