MSC Certificate
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Food and Agriculture
MSC Certificate
The MSC Certificate matters to every operator in the seafood supply chain. Issued under the Marine Stewardship Council (MSC) scheme, it confirms that the seafood was caught and processed under sustainable, environmentally responsible practices.
What is the MSC Certificate?
The MSC Certificate documents that catch and processing methods meet sustainable fisheries standards. It promotes the protection of marine ecosystems, the sound management of fish stocks, and fishing practices that respect the environment.
Core Requirements and Practices
Operators applying for MSC certification need to meet the following core requirements:
- Sustainable Fishing Practices: Adopting fishing methods that protect marine resources and ecosystems.
- Reducing Ecosystem Impact: Keeping the footprint of fishing operations on marine ecosystems to a minimum.
- Stock Management: Maintaining healthy fish stocks and applying sustainable management practices.
- Legal Compliance and Traceability: Meeting fisheries law and keeping the product traceable through the chain.
- Social and Environmental Responsibility: Operating in line with environmental and social responsibility principles.
How to Obtain the MSC Certificate
The steps a seafood operator follows to obtain MSC certification:
- Application and Planning: Submit the application to Eurocert and agree the MSC certification plan.
- Assessment of Fishing Practices: Review fishing practices and the product chain against the MSC standard.
- Documentation and Certification: Prepare the records and certificates that evidence conformity with the MSC standard.
- Eurocert Assessment and Audit: Eurocert auditors visit the operator and assess the fishing practices and the product against the MSC standard.
- Certification and Ongoing Improvement: The certificate is issued once conformity is confirmed, and MSC practices are reviewed and improved on a continuing basis.
