About MSC
The Marine Stewardship Council (MSC) works to promote sustainable fishing practices and support fishing communities for future generations.
Founded in 1997, MSC is an independent non-profit organisation headquartered in London.
MSC operates a global certification and ecolabelling programme designed to promote sustainable and responsible fisheries. The certification principles are based on the Code of Conduct for Responsible Fisheries developed by the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO).
MSC certification is built on three main principles:
- Fishing activities must be carried out at a level that is sustainable for fish stocks.
- Fisheries must be managed in a way that protects the structure, productivity, function, and diversity of the marine ecosystem on which they depend.
- Fisheries must comply with local, national, and international laws, and have a management system in place that can respond to changing conditions and maintain long-term sustainability.