The promise and pitfalls of Marine Stewardship Council certification: Maine lobster as a case study

As worldwide population continues to grow, so does demand for seafood by consumers. With this trend, interest in sustainably certified seafood is also increasing. The Maine lobster fishery is currently considering certification based on the Marine Stewardship Council (MSC) standard for sustainable and well-managed fisheries. Although certification is argued to provide a market-based incentive to improve sustainable fishing practices, it is a costly and time-consuming process, and often imposes additional requirements on fisheries in order to meet certification standards. To evaluate whether the costs of Maine lobster fishery certification are worth the presumed benefits, lobster industry members were interviewed to learn their opinions of MSC certification, seafood consumers were surveyed to understand their attitudes and purchasing preferences related to lobster, and lessons learned from other MSC-certified fisheries were compiled. MSC certification of the Maine lobster fishery could potentially provide benefits to the industry by differentiating Maine lobster and maintaining access to markets that are looking to exclusively source certified fish products. However, certification is unlikely to provide price premiums for the fishermen, and does not necessarily represent to consumers the most desirable aspects of Maine lobster. Certification programs may need to adapt to consumer preferences and market conditions if they are to continue to provide incentives for the sustainable management of fisheries.     

Eco-labeling seafood: Addressing impacts to vulnerable seafloor species,communities, habitats and ecosystems in data-poor regions

Certification and eco-labeling schemes for the ecological sustainability of seafood have increased in recent years due, in large part, to consumer demand. While most attention has been focused on the population status and trends of target and bycatch species, the conservation of vulnerable species, communities, habitats and ecosystems (VSCHEs) has not consistently been addressed in an adequate manner, especially in data-poor systems. Unfortunately knowledge of VSCHE distribution patterns is inadequate, and even the leading fishery certification agencies only broadly address impacts to VSCHEs. Little guidance has been given to third party certifiers for gathering and evaluating appropriate information for assessing VSCHEs, and there is no explicitly precautionary method of assessing their vulnerability in an information poor environment. These shortcomings led to significant differences in how the impacts of fisheries on VSCHEs have been evaluated from one assessment to another, potentially resulting in a certified fishery when existing information suggests there are significant impacts. This study develops an explicit approach for data mining and evaluation for the eco-labeling certification process; proposes a precautionary method for assessing vulnerability of VSCHEs based on exposure, sensitivity and resilience and provides an example of how these can be integrated into existing fishery certification frameworks. This overall approach is also amenable for use by governmental agencies to advance conservation of VSCHEs within ecosystem-based management frameworks.     

Towards a typology of interactions between small-scale fisheries and global seafood trade

Fish and fish-related products are among the most highly traded commodities globally and the proportion of globally harvested fish that is internationally traded has steadily risen over time. Views on the benefits of international seafood trade diverge, partly as a result from adopting either an aggregate national focus or a focus on local market actors. However, both views generally assume that the trade in question is characterized by export of fisheries resources to international markets. This is potentially misleading as empirical evidence suggests that import of seafood can also have impacts on local SSF dynamics. A systematic analysis of the different ways in which local production systems connect to international seafood markets can therefore help shed more light on why small-scale fisheries exhibit such differences in outcomes as they engage in an increasingly global seafood trade. This paper conducts a synthesis across 24 cases from around the world and develops a typology of small-scale fisheries and how they connect to and interact with international seafood trade. The analysis is based on key features drawn from trade theory regarding how trade interacts with local production. The implications of the findings for social and ecological sustainability of small-scale fisheries are discussed with the aim of identifying further research topics which deserve attention to better inform trade policy for more sustainable fisheries and more just wealth distribution from their trade.     

Searching for market-based sustainability pathways: Challenges and opportunities for seafood certification programs in Japan

Over the past two decades, there has been a proliferation of consumer-facing, market-based initiatives for marine conservation—most notably in seafood eco-labels and sustainability certifications. Yet, despite the growing recognition of these initiatives by consumers and retailers in North America and Europe and the (subsequent) acceptance of their role in seafood distribution by fisheries and fish marketing industries around the world, seafood certification programs have thus far made little progress in Japan. Here, the evolution of the three seafood eco-label and certification programs in Japan is examined and insights into the ongoing challenges they face in terms of the domestic supply chain network, consumer preference and their social-cultural attitude toward sustainability are provided. Despite an initial lack of success, seafood certification programs in Japan can be useful in enhancing consumer awareness for fisheries resource conservation and identifying Japanese domestic small-scale fisheries that are already engaged in sustainable fishing practices. A possible pathway for developing an eco-certification program suitable for the Japanese seafood market is provided through integration of environmental and cultural sustainability under the existing certification framework.     

Is MSC eco-labelling workable in Taiwan? Responses from various sectors of the Taiwanese sergestid shrimp fishery

Marine Stewardship Council (MSC) eco-labelling is among the widely known market-based management approaches that are considered effective in solving the problem of overfishing. The approach has been applied in several marine capture fisheries worldwide; however, it was found not to be fully workable in many fisheries for various reasons. The sergestid shrimp (Sergia lucens) fishery in Tungkang County of Taiwan has been managed well in recent decades through a bottom-up community-based co-management scheme and is probably the best candidate for obtaining the first MSC certification in Taiwan. This study assessed the fishery in relation to the three principles of MSC eco-labelling and investigated responses from experts, managers, industry representatives, and consumers on improving the fishery in order to obtain the MSC certification. The results suggested that three major problems confronted the fishery: (1) the fishery was unlikely to meet the MSC standards unless it could reduce its high bycatch rate; (2) the economic and/or political benefits were not attractive enough to the relevant sectors for them to cover the high costs and responsibility of obtaining and maintaining the MSC certification; and (3) the fishery was reputed to be well managed without any eco-label, suggesting no strong incentive to obtain one from a management perspective. The benefits of MSC eco-labelling could be consolidated, however, and the role of government was crucial in this regard.     

Perspectives for implementing fisheries certification in developing countries

This paper discusses the future of the Marine Stewardship Council (MSC), a market-based certification program, in developing countries and exposes the challenges and opportunities for fish producers. The MSC needs to attract the interest of more fishing enterprises from these regions to increase its global presence. Because most fisheries in developing countries cannot meet the MSC standards, or afford the certification process costs, it is suggested that there is a need for developing different levels within the MSC system and additional third-party assessing organizations. MSC certification may mean adoption of improvements in fisheries management and approving fishing regimes in developing countries. However, post-certification benefits may decrease as more fisheries become certified.     

MSC certification in Argentina: Stakeholders’ perceptions and lessons learned

Marine Stewardship Council (MSC) certification is a market-based incentive program recognizing well-managed fisheries. Currently, four Argentine fisheries are involved in the MSC program. Using in-depth, semi-structured interviews with fishery stakeholders, the study surveys their perceptions regarding MSC certification. MSC certification is positively perceived because stakeholders focus on knowledge of the process. Most respondents consider certification as encouraging effective fishery stakeholders’ participation: access to information, increased communication, and reaching consensus. Market/political/social realities will prove whether a more intense participation of Argentine fisheries in the certification initiative is useful. Because some markets in the EU and USA are demanding MSC certified products, there is a need to work towards a governance structure that helps link certification with policy market outcomes to ensure exportation of Argentine fish. MSC certification may suggest improved management of participatory bottom-up planning. This bottom-up approach provides an opportunity to establish feedback mechanisms and organizational changes.     

Assessment of eco-labelling schemes for Pacific tuna fisheries

Developments in fisheries governance in recent decades—notably the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea and its implementing agreements—have established a framework of principles, standards, institutions and regulations that is broader and more complex than traditional fisheries management, which has generally focused on individual target species. As this framework has evolved, a number of seafood eco-labelling schemes have also developed. These schemes aim to identify well-managed fisheries and give competitive advantage to their products, thus translating the environmental awareness of consumers into direct support for sustainable fishing practices. This paper evaluates a number of these schemes in the context of international fisheries governance principles and considers the conservation benefits that may result from sustainability certification of Pacific tuna fisheries. The paper briefly summarises developments in eco-labeling of Pacific tuna fisheries in relation to the evolution of fisheries management, where focus has shifted from the maximum sustainable yield of individual tuna species to ecosystem-based approaches that directly consider the broader environmental impacts of fishing. The paper discusses two different ‘Dolphin Safe’ eco-labels, the third-party scheme of the Earth Island Institute and the intergovernmental scheme of the Agreement on the International Dolphin Conservation Program, and two broader eco-labels offering sustainability certification of fisheries, ‘Friend of the Sea’ and the ‘Marine Stewardship Council’. The role played by seafood-industry associations with sustainability claims, such as the International Seafood Sustainability Foundation, is also considered.     

The value of line-caught and other attributes: An exploration of price premiums for chilled fish in UK supermarkets

Within international markets for fish, the past decade has witnessed a significant growth and proliferation of products labelled to be sustainable or responsibly sourced. These terms encapsulate a range of criteria concerning the state of the stocks and, inter alia, how the fish have been captured. Of the different modes of capture ‘line-caught’ is one of the longer standing and with associations to lesser impacts upon the environment. Yet despite this position, there appears to have been little assessment of any price premiums realised for fish marketed with environmental, responsibly-sourced, line-caught or other such credentials. This paper is the first published study to examine whether such attributes of chilled fish products command any price premium at the supermarket level of the value chain. The study is based on 68 weekly observations of chilled pre-packed cod and haddock in seven different supermarkets in the UK. The study also examines possible price premiums for other observable attributes such as product form, processing and country of origin, in addition to any differences in pricing between the supermarkets. The results show that the ‘line-caught’ attribute gives cod and haddock a price premium of 18% and 10%, respectively. The MSC ecolabel gives a 10% price premium on haddock products.     

Will American consumers pay more for eco-friendly labeled canned tuna? Estimating US consumer demand for canned tuna varieties using scanner data

This study estimates consumer demand for eco-friendly labeled canned tuna products in two distinct US marketing channels, conventional and natural supermarkets, to evaluate market-based incentives for conservation measures that affect fishing costs and retail prices. Using retail scanner data, this paper finds that US consumer demand for canned tuna varies depending on the species of tuna, what gear type was used, whether the can is sold in natural food or conventional supermarkets, and whether canned product is or is not certified as eco-friendly. The paper's main conclusions are that retail price premiums for eco-friendly products face upper limits due to consumer responses to higher prices, and are most effective when coupled with: (1) inelastic own-price elasticity of demand; (2) price premium signals that are transmitted from retail markets to raw material producers; and (3) limited retail consumption substitution possibilities with lower-priced conventional products that help maintain price premiums and that otherwise create conservation disincentives by increasing conventional supply. Results from this paper not only have unique implications for various forms of international tuna fisheries policy that incorporates or anticipates change in market behavior, but also could serve as a scientific reference to clarify the trade disputes.     

Disentangling seafood value chains: Tourism and the local market driving small-scale fisheries

Identifying socio-economic drivers of small-scale fisheries is a fundamental step to understand impacts and pressures on fishery resources, and the behaviour of seafood trade actors. It is especially relevant for developing countries where such information is usually lacking and fisheries management is greatly needed. To address this gap, this study maps the structure of value chains of fish and marine invertebrates caught by small-scale fisheries from São Vicente, Cape Verde (West Africa), and examines the main socio-economic drivers behind the seafood trade on the island. Specifically, it shows how drivers, such as tourism and the local market, shape the preferences for certain species and how they affect the distribution of income among actors involved in the seafood trade. To collect this information, interviews were done with fishers, small-scale traders, market vendors, and restaurant owners, in all fishing communities of the island of São Vicente, in 2015. Tourism and the local market drive the exploitation of a wide variety of marine species, from small demersal low trophic level fish and marine invertebrates, to large pelagic high trophic level fish species. Moreover, the local seafood market, and especially tourism dynamics, contribute to the unequal distribution of income among actor groups, benefiting mostly restaurant owners due to their direct access to tourist consumers. Such findings have implications for local fishery resources management, food security, and fishing communities’ livelihoods.     

The ‘devils triangle’ of MSC certification: Balancing credibility,accessibility and continuous improvement

The Marine Stewardship Council (MSC) has continued to strengthen its position in the market based on its credibility as a transparent, accountable and science-based third party certification scheme. However, the consolidation of MSC's credibility risks being undermined by the poor representation of developing world fisheries and concerns that the scheme provides little incentive for continual improvement for fisheries once certified. This paper argues that the challenge of maintaining credibility while increasing access and fisheries improvement constitutes a ‘devils triangle’. In the absence of a clear policy from MSC for balancing this triangle fisheries are taking their own actions to differentiate themselves both above (MSC-plus) and below (MSC-minus) the certification threshold. To avoid further undermining of the MSC the organisation should internalise such externally-led differentiation by moving towards an internally controlled tiered certification system based on its already existing metric-based principle indicator system. Doing so would communicate on equity and continual improvement both before and after certification, and create on-going incentives for fishers to enter into the MSC programme.     

The emergence and effectiveness of the Marine Stewardship Council

This article examines the influence of patterns of emergence on the effectiveness of the Marine Stewardship Council (MSC)—a leading wild-capture fisheries certification program. Looking first at the origins and features of this program, direct effects are examined by describing the adoption of the scheme and the impacts of the fishery assessment process. In assessing broader consequences, the article examines patterns of adoption and certification effects that were not necessarily intended or anticipated. The article concludes that fisheries certification alone is unlikely to arrest the decline of fish stocks, and highlights the need for more research on the intersection of private and public efforts to address overfishing and environmental harm resulting from fishing.     

The integration of South African fisheries into the global economy: Past,present and future

The integration of the South African fisheries into the global economy has operated as a powerful constraint on post-apartheid fisheries reform. The shedding of South Africa's international pariah status and currency depreciation enhanced access to and competitiveness on global markets, sparking a demersal-led export boom, which has favoured incumbent producers. Increased exports have also allowed the post-apartheid state and nascent black capital to maximise their returns from the fisheries through cost recovery and share purchases. The protection and promotion of the fisheries’ “international competitiveness”, inter alia sought through “sustainable fishery” certification of the hake industry with the Maritime Stewardship Council (MSC), has in turn provided a cover-all for the refusal of populist redistribution demands and special treatment for black small capital.     

Evaluation and legal assessment of certified seafood

This study presents a legal review of international treaties to derive sound definitions of overfishing. It examines seafood stocks that were certified by the Marine Stewardship Council (MSC) or Friend of the Sea (FOS). Stock size and fishing pressure were compared with the internationally agreed reference points which both organizations have accepted. No suitable status information was found for 11% (MSC) to 53% (FOS) of the certified stocks. For the stocks with available status information, 19% (FOS) to 31% (MSC) had overfished stock sizes and were subject to ongoing overfishing. An analysis of legal implications of certification of overfished stocks suggests that a certifying body cannot be held liable for a violation of internationally agreed standards unless the domestic law of its home country so regulates. States may ban the import of fish products from overfished stocks, but only in very specific cases. Possible causes for the certification of overfished stocks are discussed and recommendations are given on how the certifiers could improve their performance. The study concludes that it is still reasonable to buy certified seafood, because the percentage of moderately exploited, healthy stocks is 3–4 times higher in certified than in non-certified seafood.     

Who benefits from fisheries co-management? A case study in Lake Chiuta,Malawi

The fisheries management policy shift towards resource user participation in Malawi in the early 1990s resulted in mixed benefits among small-scale fishers, with many applauding the changes. This paper considers the impacts of these policy changes on government and within the fishing communities around Lake Chiuta whose fisheries co-management experience is considered successful. Benefits to the communities range from gaining government support in excluding non-local fishers using destructive fishing gear to increased household incomes and improved livelihoods, while benefits to government range from taking credit for establishing a sustainable fishery and co-management arrangements to reduced resource management costs. Community costs include financial resources and time spent by resource user representative organisations in enforcing fishing regulations. These findings enable a more balanced assessment of neoliberal claims about the benefits of delegating management responsibilities and downloading costs of management onto fishing communities and organisations.     

Putting the seafood in sustainable food systems

Increasing attention by consumers to the social and environmental dimensions of the food they eat has generated many different responses, including certification programs, watch lists and local/slow food movements. This article examines the more recent entry of seafood into these consumer social movements. Although a concern with the family farm—as well as tendency to equate national security with food security—has long connected terrestrial food production with other cultural concerns, fisheries have tended to be regarded more as natural resources. Considering seafood as part of the “food system” would enhance the management of fisheries, while the long engagement in fisheries with co- and adaptive management and the politics of knowledge would enrich the debate in the agri-foods literature. The article also offers suggestions on how fisheries management could better govern for sustainable food systems, and provides further ideas about food, sustainability and governance.     

Eco-labeling of seafood: Does it affect the harvesting patterns of Norwegian fishermen?

The aim of this paper is to compare the criteria for eco-labeling of wild-caught fish in the Norwegian eco-certified fisheries, and to study if these eco-labels affect the harvesting patterns of Norwegian fishermen. The eco-labels Marine Stewardship Council (MSC), KRAV and Friend of the Sea (FOS) as applied in 2009 were studied. In this study, the harvesting patterns are defined by using the following parameters: season, catch area, size of fishing vessel, gear type, bycatch, location of landing site and distance to the fishing ground. KRAV had more specific criteria than did MSC and FOS in specific fisheries regarding time of the fishing effort, catch area, size of fishing vessels, gear type (e.g. hook size, and the use of beam trawlers was not permitted) and distance to the fishing ground. The findings show that few of the eco-label requirements influenced these aspects in Norwegian fisheries.