Review of the FAO Ecolabelling Guidelines accepted

To ensure equitable market access for small-scale fisheries and raise sustainability standards across certification schemes, Living Oceans, SeaChoice and others advocated for a review of the long-outdated FAO Guidelines for Seafood Ecolabelling during the recent Committee on Fisheries 36th session in Rome.  

The FAO Guidelines sets the basic requirements and practices expected for fishery eco-certifications. Prominent certifications such as the Marine Stewardship Council claim adherence to the guidelines. Updating the guidelines provides the opportunity to drive change at the MSC and other schemes that continue to certify questionable and unsustainable practices, as well as preferentially support industrial fleets over small-scale fisheries.  

Good news: the FAO Committee on Fisheries accepted our request! 

Image COFI36 credit: Kate O’Connell.