As a wholesaler of deep-sea fishing for many years, we are concerned about the proper management of fisheries resources and have initiated an MSC certification process for our “purse-seined” sardines. Aware that the sea is our future, the 3 principles of the MSC label are essential for us, and our territory.
The MSC label only applies to wild fish or seafood from fisheries that have been certified as sustainable according to the MSC Standard.
Each MSC-certified fishery has been independently assessed for its impacts on fish stocks and marine ecosystems.
Regular DNA tests show that MSC-labeled products are correctly labeled.
For more than 20 years, we have been working with scientists, fisheries and brands to develop and promote sustainable fisheries. The MSC is the only certification and labeling program for wild fisheries that meets the best practices required by FAO and ISEAL.
Throughout the supply chain to your plate, MSC-certified fish and seafood are clearly identified so that they can be traced back to the certified sustainable fishery.
The collapse of the cod fishery in the Grand Banks of Canada, and its dramatic consequences; 35,000 fishing and plant jobs are being lost in 400 coastal communities, requires the international community to address the issues of overfishing. Discussions between Unilever and WWF then began, until a declaration of intent was signed in 1996.
The MSC officially becomes an independent non-profit organization. The first “Principles and Criteria for Sustainable Fisheries” are developed. After 18 months of consultations with more than 300 scientists, academics and experts around the world, the MSC Fisheries Repository is launched.
The first fisheries obtain MSC certification and the blue label appears on the products. Alaska, Australia, Mexico, England, Vietnam… Many countries are multiplying initiatives in favor of labeling and the MSC label receives numerous awards for the quality and rigour of its work.
The major brands, LIDL, Carrefour, Mac Donald’s, KLM, IKEA, see in the MSC label a way to promote their interest in sustainable fishing and join forces with the MSC Label.
For the first time, a country is 100% committed: all distributors in the Netherlands are committed to 100% MSC-certified seafood. China and India have their first fisheries labeled.
The MSC Label now includes more than 25,000 labeled products in more than 100 countries around the world.
The UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) are 17 goals to end global poverty, protect the planet and ensure prosperity for all.
The MDGs provide a shared vision of the future and a framework to engage governments, industries, non-profit organizations and the international community to work together for a better world. The MSC program is recognized by the UN as an important tool in the race to safeguard the oceans and implement MDG 14.
MDG 14: Conserve and sustainably use oceans, seas and marine resources for sustainable development
Our vision is of oceans teeming with life and fishery resources preserved indefinitely, now and for future generations. The MSC program is recognized by the UN as an important tool for achieving MDG 14.
Together, we are working to achieve MDG 14 for :