As the number of fisheries entries for ecolabel and certification programme increased, the Marine Stewardship Council (MSC) has appointed more Independent Adjudicators that are available to review and resolve contested certifier decisions. UN Food and Agricultural Organisation states that an impartial objections procedure is an integral and important part of a credible, third party certification system and the MSC fishery assessment process provides for a fair and transparent review of contested certifier decisions that is independent of the certifier, objector, and the MSC.
The main function of an Independent Adjudicator is to ensure specific concerns on a fishery certification meet the expected Principles and Criteria of the MSC standard for a well managed and sustainable fishery. Will Martin, Chair of the MSC Board of Directors comments that he was very impressed with the calibre of the candidates and honoured to welcome the three new Independent Adjudicators on behalf of the Board of Directors.
It is said that in addition to serving to maintain the credibility of the MSC programme as it grows, the new appointments have further permitted a wider and more equal geographical distribution of Independent Adjudicators, which is expected to reduce response time and travel cost.
