With 29% of the world’s oceans currently overfished, according to the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), two new reports by the Marine Stewardship Council (MSC) show how commitments by seafood producers, retailers and consumers are delivering lasting improvements to the sustainability of marine ecosystems, fish stocks and fishing communities.
As a result of increased consumer demand and greater commitment to sustainability by the fishing industry and retailers, the number of MSC-labeled products has more than doubled over the past five years. In 2013-14 the retail market value of sustainable seafood carrying the MSC ecolabel reached US$4.8 billion, an increase of 118 per cent since 2009. More than 23,000 products from MSC certified fisheries were available in over 100 countries, a tenfold increase since 2009.
Rupert Howes, chief executive for the MSC said: “The MSC’s vision is for the world’s oceans to be teeming with life – today, tomorrow and for future generations. These reports provide evidence that the leadership of our partners is driving real and lasting change in the way our oceans are fished. Stock status of MSC certified fisheries continue to improve, bycatch of unwanted species and seabirds continues to decline and a myriad of wider management improvements have been delivered. Everyone can help to support this positive change by choosing MSC certified sustainable seafood.”
According to the reports, seafood accounts for almost 17% of the global population’s intake of animal protein and supports the livelihoods of around 10% of the world’s population. Safeguarding the world’s oceans is essential if we are to maintain healthy fish populations, economies and ecosystems.