Promoting MSC certification to the global supply chain
The Marine Stewardship Council (MSC) is a well- managed certification scheme in consultation with scientists, the fishing industry and conservation groups. The MSC has established a sophisticated management system with technical support from scientific agencies, to ensure the credibility of the MSC certification. The fisheries which aim to be certified need to enter an assessment process against a standard composed of 3 core Principles with 28 indicators. Organisations that trade or handle MSC products need to be involved in MSC Chain of Custody certification to ensure the traceability of MSC products. MSC also uses eco-label to help consumers easily recognize MSC products.
Since June of 2018, FCF has facilitated or sourced from the following major MSC fisheries, resulting in more than 97% of our Purse Seine supplying vessels participating in one or multiple MSC fisheries. As for Longline supplying vessels, we have also been working with our partners and earned our first Longline MSC certification in 2024. Additionally, we have initiated further projects to expand to more fisheries.
To enhance labor standards in the fishing industry, a delegation from the U.S. Department of Labor’s Bureau of International Labor Affairs (ILAB), led by Deputy Undersecretary Thea Lee, visited Taiwan in February 2024. The purpose of the visit was to observe and discuss Taiwan’s initiatives in protecting the rights of foreign crew members on distant-water fishing vessels. During the meetings, the U.S. delegation emphasized several key challenges and areas of innovation:
FCF Leading - MSC Purse Seine Fisheries
WPSTA Western and Central Pacific Skipjack, Yellowfin and Bigeye Purse Seine Fishery
Species: Skipjack, Yellowfin and Bigeye tuna
PNA Western and Central Pacific skipjack and yellowfin, unassociated / non FAD set, tuna purse seine fishery
Species: Skipjack and Yellowfin tuna
Nauru Skipjack, Yellowfin, and Bigeye Tuna Purse Seine Fishery
Species: Skipjack, Yellowfin and Bigeye tuna
FCF Leading - MSC Longline Fisheries
Consolidated Atlantic ocean albacore tuna longline fishery
Species: Yellowfin, Bigeye and Albacore tuna
By closely working with fisheries authorities, FCF is actively participating in various meetings hosted by Regional Fisheries Management Organizations (RFMOs), and promote the relevant management measures to achieve sustainable fisheries.
