Over three quarters of global whitefish catch now certified as sustainable by MSC

More than 75% of the world’s whitefish catch has been certified as sustainable by the Marine Stewardship Council (MSC), according to figures published in the 2025 Sustainable Whitefish Yearbook.

Announcing what its described "a major milestone for the seafood industry," the certification organisation said the level of MSC-certified catch "underscores whitefish’s central role in driving the growth of a thriving, responsible seafood market, but is testament to the long-term commitments of a selection of whitefish fisheries across the globe."

The MSC report highlights long-term efforts by several major fisheries for this progress, with Alaska pollock and South African hake fisheries having held MSC certification for 20 years, while New Zealand hoki has been certified for nearly 25 years. It also pointed out newer examples, such as Australia’s orange roughy fishery, which gained certification earlier this year after more than a decade of collaboration aimed at restoring stocks.

Over 60 species now carry the MSC label worldwide, including cod, pollock, sablefish, pikeperch and various rockfish, with whitefish accounting for almost half of all seafood that is either certified by the MSC, undergoing assessment, or part of its Improvement Program. This year's report includes details of the leading market brands for whitefish by country for the first time.

"Whitefish represents one of the most compelling sustainability success stories in seafood. Many of these fisheries have now maintained certification for decades and continued to improve their practices, demonstrating not only their long-term commitment to operating responsibly but the clear commercial incentive of doing so as well," said Nicolas Guichoux, the MSC’s Chief Program Officer.

“Consumer demand for sustainable whitefish remains strong. Despite recent economic pressures and global supply chain challenges, certified fisheries have consistently met this demand and we’re now seeing growth through the entry of new fisheries and diversification into additional species," he continued.

“By partnering with some of the world’s best-managed whitefish fisheries, we’re helping to build a more resilient, responsible supply chain, one that supports the sustainability of these high-volume, high-demand products for now and generations to come," Guichoux added.