“It is vital that we all re-double our efforts to ensure global fisheries are managed on a sustainable basis,” said MSC Chief Executive, Rupert Howes.
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A rising global interest in sustainably sourced seafood has led to an increase in the number of fisheries participating in the Marine Stewardship Council (MSC) programme, according to the organisation’s latest annual report.
The MSC says 738 fisheries are now engaged in its certification and eco-labelling scheme, representing 21% of the world’s wild fish catch, with 22 new fisheries joining in the past year. The organisation also reports that around 80% of world's whitefish catch and 60% of the wild salmon catch are now sourced from MSC-certified fisheries.
Sales of products carrying the MSC’s blue label have also grown, increasing by 8% over the past year to reach a retail value of US$14 billion. The organisation argues this reflects a broader shift among consumers and retailers towards verified sustainable choices.
Tuna is one of the major species highlighted in the MSC report, with 203 tuna fisheries are now involved in the certification programme, and sales of MSC-labelled tuna reaching 300,000 tonnes, up 30% from the previous year.
The council says many of these fisheries have improved management by adopting new harvest strategies designed to protect stocks in the long term, citing the Western Central Pacific Ocean skipjack and North Pacific albacore as "two significant milestones" achieved.
Overall, fisheries engaged in the MSC programme, whether fully certified or working towards certification, target more than 200 species worldwide.
“Sustainable fisheries provide the foundation for a resilient, healthy and productive ocean. With management, our oceans can continue to provide a precious and renewable source of low carbon nutritious protein for humanity for generations to come. It is therefore encouraging to see the continued and deepening engagement of both fisheries and the market in the MSC programme. We share the same vision," said MSC Chief Executive, Rupert Howes, via a press release.
However, he warned, climate change is increasing the pressure on marine resources. “It is vital that we all re-double our efforts to ensure global fisheries are managed on a sustainable basis,” he added.
"This will require action from all of us – the fishing industry, fishery management agencies, consumers and our political leaders and governments to set an enabling environment. Progress must accelerate if we are to see the delivery of the UN Agenda 2030 Goals by the end of this decade," Howes argued.
The MSC also reports that its Ocean Stewardship Fund distributed more than US$2.2 million in grants over 2024–25 to support research and help fisheries improve sustainability practices.