What is global Marine Stewardship Council (MSC) ?

Why in News ? About 10 Indian marine and saline fish and shrimp varieties are set to get the global Marine Stewardship Council (MSC) certification soon. The first batch is set

to be submitted for the certification in 2026.

About  MSC:

 The Marine Stewardship Council (MSC) is a global, non-profit organization that establishes sustainability standards for wild-caught fisheries and promotes sustainable seafood through a recognizable blue eco-label.

• They certify fisheries that meet their standards for healthy fish stocks, minimized environmental impact, and effective management, with their MSC Chain of Custody Standard ensuring seafood traceability from ocean to plate. The MSC’s mission is to transform the global seafood market to ensure healthy oceans and sustainable supplies for future generations.

Key aspects of the MSC:

Mission: To end overfishing and transform the seafood market into one that is sustainable.

Certification: Provides two standards: the MSC Fisheries Standard for wild-catch fisheries and the MSC Chain of Custody Standard for the seafood supply chain.

MSC Eco-label: An internationally recognized label that consumers can use to identify and choose sustainable, well-managed seafood products.

Global Reach: An international organization with offices in major cities around the world, promoting sustainable fishing practices globally.

Impact:

For Consumers: Provides clear information to make informed seafood choices.

For Fisheries: Enhances export value, supports biodiversity, and can ensure more stable incomes for fishing communities.

For the Environment: Contributes to healthy oceans and helps combat the problem of unsustainable fishing.

Relevance in India:

India is a major fish producer, and the MSC certification is seen as a way to boost the export value of Indian fisheries and help fishermen find new markets.

Recently, Chilika Lake’s mud crab fishery became India’s first inland fishery nominated for MSC certification, a significant step for domestic sustainable fisheries.