"Certified Sustainable" Systems are cousins of "organic" labeling

The Marine Stewardship Council (MSC) is an independent non-profit organization that promotes responsible fishing practices.

Wild fish can now be certified as "sustainable" by this independent nonprofit organization and it is working on a certification system for farmed fish.

It's up to consumers to recognize, request, and value "brands" like MSC-certified as they do the organic label. Supply-chain pressure from consumers asking for sustainable business practices is the best kind.

Some of the retail stores in which you can buy Certified Sustainable fish include:

Whole Foods Market
Wal-Mart
Wildcatch
Safeway

If you don't shop at these stores, ask for "certified sustainable" fish and other products at your own grocery store. By ASKING FOR IT, we create demand, and business people listen to consumer demand!


The three Principles of the MSC Standard are:

Principle 1 The condition of the fish stocks

This examines if there are enough fish to ensure that the fishery is sustainable.

Principle 2 The impact of the fishery on the marine environment

This examines the effect that fishing has on the immediate marine envirionment including other non-target fish species, marine mammals and seabirds.

Principle 3 The fishery management systems

This principle evaluates the rules and procedures that are in place, as well as how they are implemented, to maintain a sustainable fishery and to ensure that the impact on the marine environment is minimised.