According to the MSC it is committed to fair and equal access for all fisheries seeking MSC certification. The MSC ahs started a project on assessments of fisheries that lack sufficient detailed data to make a conclusive, scientific case for certification. The main purpose of this project is to provide small-scale and data-deficient fisheries with an alternative route to certification, while maintaining the scientific rigor that characterizes the MSC program.
Oluyemisi Oloruntuyi, MSC Developing World Program Manager who is leading the project, informed that the project is part of the MSC Developing World Fisheries Program and seeks to develop Guidelines for the Assessment of Small-Scale and Data-Deficient fisheries. It is explained that the project has a risk-assessment approach to help MSC-accredited certifiers evaluate the key environmental indicators that are the backbone of the MSC environmental standard for sustainable fishing.
Oloruntuyi also said that the demand for eco-certified fish and seafood is high all over the world and MSC certification could open doors to trade for these fisheries and contribute to long-term social, environmental and economic benefits in their communities. It is informed that the project is not limited to developing countries, but is likely to have the greatest uptake among them.
