MSC appoints new Program Director for the U.S.

Yesterday, the Marine Stewardship Council (MSC) announced it has promoted Laura McDearis, appointing her as the new Program Director for MSC U.S. In her new role, she will lead the MSC's program in the United States, supporting fisheries, seafood companies, and stakeholders as they work to meet the growing demand for certified sustainable seafood.

In the release informing of her appointment, MSC noted that McDearis - who takes the helm from Nicole Condon - brings nearly 15 years of sustainable fisheries experience to the role. Since joining the Marine Stewardship Council in 2017, she has led corporate partnerships and certified sustainable seafood engagements across the United States.

Her background also includes work in Alaska at a sport fishing lodge, service as an observer in the Alaskan snow crab fishery, fisheries management consulting for Ecuadorian spiny lobster, and co-founding a sustainable seafood company in California, where she also served as COO.

"Laura brings extensive experience in the seafood industry, program management, and stakeholder collaboration to this leadership position," said Erika Feller, MSC Americas Regional Director, commenting on the appointment. "Her proven track record will help us continue to strengthen the MSC's role in the U.S. and ensure healthy oceans for future generations."

"I am honored to take on this leadership role with the MSC team and look forward to working closely with our fishery and commercial partners to make certified sustainable seafood easily accessible and recognizable around the globe," the new Program Director for MSC U.S. stated, for her part. "Together, we can ensure that wild seafood remains a vital, healthy, and environmentally sustainable resource for generations to come," McDearis added.

"A pivotal leadership move"

With global demand for seafood projected to double by 2050, ensuring sustainable fisheries management is critical to food security. Laura McDearis steps into her new role at a strong moment for the MSC in the U.S., which this year marks 25 years of certified sustainable fisheries in the country.

According to the information provided by the Marine Stewardship Council, the United States is the world's largest supplier of MSC-certified sustainable seafood. Approximately 85% of all U.S. fisheries are certified by the world's leading certification and ecolabeling program for sustainable wild-caught seafood, representing 61 unique species.

The MSC blue fish label now appears on over 1,380 unique products available at retailers across the U.S. in canned, frozen, fresh, supplements, and pet aisles. Not only that, but consumer recognition is also on the rise and trust remains high: one-third of U.S. seafood consumers recognize the MSC ecolabel and 73% trust it.

As said, the MSC has worked for more than 25 years to demonstrate sustainable fishing practices through its independent third-party certification. Currently, 19.3% of the world's wild marine catch is committed to the MSC program, and the nonprofit impact on the water also continues to grow, as it keeps on supporting a thriving, resilient seafood industry and driving meaningful long-term sustainability.

"With climate change, overfishing, and shifting consumer expectations reshaping the seafood landscape, the MSC's role in developing rigorous standards and promoting environmentally sustainable practices has never been more vital," the Marine Stewardship Council release read.

McDearis' appointment, which, as mentioned above, has been described by the MSC as "a pivotal leadership move," therefore comes at a time when sustainable seafood is no longer a niche concern but a global imperative. With growing U.S. consumer demand for sustainable seafood and increasing pressure to safeguard marine ecosystems, she will be tasked with responding to this priority in the U.S. market.