1. Marine Stewardship Council Solutions to fisheries challenges are many and varied -commonly more than one solution is required to any given problem Incentive programs have been identified to be valuable in providing pressure towards agreed goals - including sustainability Labeling products from well managed and sustainable fisheries is one type of incentive program

2. The Marine Stewardship Council is a global, non- profit standard setting body established to evaluate whether fisheries are sufficiently sustainable to carry an eco-label for marketing purposes A certification to the MSC standard acknowledges a fishery that has made major progress in addressing fishery sustainability challenges - it is not reserved for ‘perfect fisheries’. The motivations for fisheries seeking certification vary and may be driven by catchers, managers, processors or retailers.

3. The certification process is science based, non- discriminatory (gear type, region, fishery etc),open and transparent. Six fisheries, of varying sizes and gear types, have been certified to date. All have had conditions placed on the certification that have to be met to ensure ongoing certification. The MSC itself has recently undergone a review that will lead to improvements in its governance structure. The fishery assessment process has also been reviewed and changes being implemented in the light of experience.

4. Further information: fish@msc.org www.msc.org MSC 119 Altenburg Gardens London SW11 1JQ United Kingdom