For sutainability → MSC certification

MSC Certification

MSC certification is a sustainable seafood certification program administered by the Marine Stewardship Council, which ensures that natural marine resources are caught by fisheries that are properly managed in consideration of resources and the environment. (See For sutainability → Sustainable seafood)

MSC certification for creating sustainable fisheries

MSC (Marine Stewardship Council) is a non-profit organization that works to protect marine resources and promote sustainable fisheries. Only marine products caught by sustainable fisheries that meet the MSC Fishery Standard and processed and distributed in accordance with the MSC CoC Standard can be treated as MSC-certified marine products.
The MSC Fishery Certification Standard is one means of assessing the sustainability of fisheries and is intended to secure fish habitats and protect endangered species. Fisheries are rigorously assessed to ensure that they are managed appropriately in consideration of marine resources and the environment. The following three points are taken into consideration during the assessment.

1. Resource sustainability
2. Impact of the fishery on the ecosystem
3. The management system of the fishery

Once certified, the fishery is periodically audited to determine areas for improvement. The "Marine Ecolabel" is attached as proof of natural marine products caught by sustainable fisheries that meet these MSC fishery standards.
The MSC CoC certification standard prevents the mixing of MSC-certified and non-certified marine products and ensures that certified marine products reach consumers correctly. In order to sell products with the MSC ecolabel, businesses in the supply chain must meet the requirements of the MSC CoC standard and be certified.

As of July 2022, there are 8 companies/organizations and 14 issues certified in Japan. Some of them are introduced.

ITOCHU Corporation

In July 2022, ITOCHU's skipjack tuna and yellowfin tuna purse seine fishery were admitted as MSC certification.
The target is skipjack and yellowfin tuna in the Midwest Pacific region.
Also acquired MSC CoC certification for MSC-certified seafood before.

Meiho Fishery Co., Ltd.

It was acquired in October 2016 by three frozen single-line fishing vessels. Targets include skipjack, albacore tuna, etc.
In addition, the company's main factory obtained MSC certification and Chain of Custody certification.

Usufuku Honten, Inc.

In August 2020, the Usufuku main store in Kesennuma obtained certification for its longline fishery. The target species is Pacific bluefin tuna, the first bluefin tuna in the world to be officially certified as an MSC fishery.

By purchasing certified products, we can contribute to the protection of fishery resources.

Tuna Quiz (9)

Which Eco Mark is MSC certified?

Incorrect!

This is an eco-mark of ASC certification, a certification for environmentally friendly aquaculture product.

Correct!

This is the MSC eco-mark!

Incorrect!

This is an FSC (Forest Stewardship Council) certified Eco Mark for products made from environmentally friendly forest resources.

Reference

List of MSC certificaited fisheries in Japan
　　https://www.msc.org/jp/what-we-are-doing/Japan-MSC-certified-fisheries
　　(in Japanese)

ITOCHU Corporation.　Sustainable Procurement: Policies and Initiatives by Product Type
　　https://www.itochu.co.jp/ja/csr/society/value_chain/activity/index.html

MEIHO CORPORATION.
　　Approach for SDGs

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