Making Waves: Small-scale fisheries achieving sustainability with the MSC
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Making Waves: Small-scale fisheries sustainability through the MSC 1 Making Waves: Small-scale fisheries achieving sustainability with the MSC
2 Making Waves: Small-scale fisheries &
achieving
the MSCsustainability with the MSC MakingMaking
Waves:Waves: Small-scale
Small-scale fisheries
fisheries sustainability
achieving through
sustainability with the MSC 3
Contents
Our mission
The MSC and small-scale fisheries 4
Pathway to Sustainability: support for small-scale fisheries 6
and ambition Making an impact 10
Small-scale fisheries in action 12
Our Mission Ashtamudi clam – India's first certified sustainable fishery 12
To use our ecolabel and fishery certification
program to contribute to the health of the world’s Bahamas spiny lobster – a model of collaborative partnership 14
oceans by recognising and rewarding sustainable
fishing practices, influencing the choices people Ben Tre clam – charting a sustainable course through local managementt 16
make when buying seafood and working with our
partners to transform the seafood market to a Manitoba pike and walleye – new markets for a Canadian treasure 18
sustainable basis.
Cornwall sardine – change on the water 20
Sorong skipjack tuna – a catalyst for change 22
Our Ambition Poole Harbour clam and cockle – working together to deliver improvements 24
To significantly increase the number of small-scale Lake Hjälmaren pike-perch – collaborating to improve management 26
fisheries benefiting from engagement with the
MSC program Western Asturias octopus – a small fishery doing great things 28
Widening the net 30
South African line-fisher holding his catch of cape bream. Fishery in pre-assessment with Fish for Good © MSC
4 Making Waves: Small-scale fisheries achieving sustainability with the MSC Making Waves: Small-scale fisheries achieving sustainability with the MSC 5
The Marine Small-scale fisheries
Stewardship Council and the MSC
62
In 2019
From coral reefs to polar seas, the ocean Nearly 500 fisheries around the world are We’ve been engaged with small-scale This report provides the first ever review
is home to an extraordinary variety of life. now engaged in the program, certified or fisheries since our inception. We of the collective impact of small-scale
under full assessment. Collectively these recognise the financial, capacity, data and fisheries in the MSC program across the MSC small-scale certified fisheries
Much of this life is essential to sustaining fisheries land 12 million tons of wild- governance constraints they face to Global South and North. It shows that not
us. Around the world, more than a billion caught seafood, or 16 percent of the wild achieve a sustainable level of only are real ecological improvements
people rely on fish for their main source of harvest taken from our oceans each year. performance, particularly in the Global being achieved on the water, but they are
%
protein, while around 1 in 10 depends on South - where the state of stocks is often complemented by social and
fishing for their livelihood. Today, the blue MSC label is the world’s worsening compared to the Global North economic benefits on land.
most recognised and respected badge for (FAO). We have been working hard to
Yet at a time when a growing global sustainable wild-caught seafood: it’s build capacity by creating tools and The small-scale fisheries featured here are
population needs sustainable, low-carbon found on close to 37,000 products in over guidance, funding research and helping just a few of the 62 that are engaged with
of MSC-certified
protein more than ever, a third of fish 100 countries. fisheries who have difficulty accessing the MSC program as of 2019 and the
fisheries are small scale
stocks are overexploited, and the ocean our program get started on the journey initiatives put in place to help achieve
faces unprecedented threats from Certification is creating real change on the to sustainability. sustainable fishing practices.
global warming, acidification and water: improving management and
80,000+
plastic pollution. reducing impacts in hundreds of fisheries.
Some have introduced voluntary fishing
Over the past two decades, the MSC has ground closures, others have modified
shown we can be part of the solution. fishing gear to make it more selective or
Together with a diverse array of partners worked to reduce bycatch and discards of
from industry, government and civil sea birds, juvenile fish and other livelihoods supported by
society, we’ve worked to ensure fisheries unwanted species. MSC-certified small-scale fisheries
are certified against a science-based set
of requirements for sustainable fishing. Such improvements haven’t just occurred
Certified seafood carries the blue MSC in large fisheries but in small-scale
label showing that it was caught by a fisheries too, in both the Global North
sustainable fishery in a responsible way and South.
that ensures healthy oceans and
safeguards seafood supplies for
the future.
Ashtamudi Estuary short-necked clam fishery, Kerala, India. © David Loftus / MSC
6 Making Waves: Small-scale fisheries achieving sustainability with the MSC MakingMaking
Waves:Waves: Small-scale
Small-scale fisheries
fisheries sustainability
achieving through
sustainability with the MSC 7
Pathway to sustainability: support
for small-scale fisheries
We recognise that many small-scale work with stakeholders and partners to • A pre-determined limit to the amount of
fisheries face unique challenges as they develop and implement improvements to time spent in this stage, which should
improve towards sustainability. All too address these gaps where needed. generally be no longer than five years
often, and particularly for small-scale
fisheries in the Global South, a lack of Credible FIPs play an important role in • An upfront commitment to verify the
data, capacity or government support can improving the sustainability of a fishery. success of the project by entering full
constrain the uptake of sustainable MSC defines Credible FIPs as MSC assessment and achieving MSC
fishing practices. characterised by: certification through a transparent,
independent process.
To help overcome these hurdles and • An initial gap analysis against the MSC
ensure that the MSC program and its Standard (MSC pre-assessment) MSC provides several pathway tools to
benefits are accessible to all, we provide a support fisheries in improvement projects
flexible suite of tools, training, technical • An action plan that is inclusive as they progress on the pathway to
and financial support for small-scale and of activities, budgets, roles and sustainability and certification.
data-deficient fisheries (page 8). responsibilities, that is linked to the
MSC performance indicators To increase the number of small-scale
With demand for sustainable seafood fisheries engaged with the MSC we have
continuing to rise, increasing numbers of • Regular reporting of progress against the worked with partners to initiate a number
fisheries are making the necessary action plan of collaborative pathway projects (page
changes to become sustainable, with the 9). To date over 100 fisheries in over 20
hope of achieving certification. To • The presence of a mechanism to verify countries are taking part, working with
accomplish this, they typically start by and provide assurance about the local partners to use the tools that best
identifying gaps in performance against robustness of the process and progress addresses their needs.
the MSC standard and setting up Fisheries being made
Improvement Projects (FIPs), where they
8 Making Waves: Small-scale fisheries achieving sustainability with the MSC MakingMaking
Waves:Waves: Small-scale
Small-scale fisheries
fisheries sustainability
achieving through
sustainability with the MSC 9
Sustainability pathway tools Some of our pathway projects
Pre-assessments Capacity building program
A pre-assessment is an optional but A training program for fishery clients,
recommended analysis that determines a managers, scientists, consultants and
Project UK
preliminary performance against the MSC other stakeholders engaged with fisheries 1 country | 8 fisheries
Standard and highlights gaps, to help working towards MSC certification. The
understand the readiness for a potential MSC offers regular training workshops and
certification process. a Capacity Building Toolkit. This toolkit is a
comprehensive and practical guide to the
Action plans MSC Fisheries Standard, and showcases
MedFish
The fishery improvement action plan tool examples of best practices, describes what Blufish (Italy)
(France & Spain) 1 country |6 fisheries
can be used to develop an action plan that information will be checked during an
2 countries | 19 fisheries
will address the gaps identified in a fishery’s assessment and outlines example actions
pre-assessment. The plan should aim to that could be implemented during an action
transform the fishery sufficiently to meet plan or a Fisheries Improvement Project
the MSC Fisheries Standard requirements (page 7).
following the MSC performance indicators. Fish for Good
(Mexico) Western Africa
In Transition to MSC program Small Pelagic Fish for Good
1 country | 8 fisheries
Benchmarking & tracking The MSC’s pilot In-Transition to MSC Program 4 countries / 4 fisheries (Indonesia)
The MSC's benchmarking and tracking offers an independent way of validating SWIOCeph 1 country | 11 fisheries
tool can be used to consistently and progress in pre-MSC fisheries along the 9 countries | 5 fisheries
transparently track the actions and pathway to sustainability. Participating
environmental performance level set out in fisheries that make sufficient, verifiable
the plan. Progress is measured on an improvements can gain access to tailored
annual basis. technical and financial support. Fish for Good
(South Africa) Western
Multi-fisheries model
The multi-fisheries pre-assessment model
is an evolving approach. These projects
£ Ocean Stewardship Fund
A portion of the MSC’s Ocean Stewardship
Fund is already earmarked to support
1 country | 9 fisheries
Australia
1 country | 10 fisheries
19 20+ ~100
combine other pathway tools in a strategic fisheries willing to improve towards the MSC
and collaborative way to engage with certification, with a special focus on small-
multiple fisheries at the same time and scale fisheries. We will continue to expand
leading to on the ground pathway projects. this program to support many more fisheries
on their journey to sustainability.
Pathway projects Countries taking part fisheries involved
Boat at Sea, Cornish hake and Newyln photos © Oliver Berry
10 Making Waves: Small-scale fisheries achieving sustainability with the MSC MakingMaking
Waves:Waves: Small-scale
Small-scale fisheries
fisheries sustainability
achieving through
sustainability with the MSC 11
Making an Impact MSC certified small-scale fisheries
Rising tide drives real improvements on the water, from As a result of certification, small-scale Sustainable Development Goals
Small-scale fisheries have always been an protecting vital habitats and rebuilding fisheries often experience other economic Small-scale fisheries are recognised as an
benefits, including access to new markets
Lake Hjälmaren
important focus of the MSC’s work. In 2001, stocks to minimising bycatch. international priority by the United Nations
and price premiums. Among these is the
pike-perch
the cockle fishery in the Burry Inlet estuary in both the Sustainable Development Goals
Waterhen Lake, Page 26
near Swansea in South Wales became one Many small-scale fisheries have been artisanal octopus fishery of Western Asturias and Food and Agriculture Organization
pike and walleye Cornwall
of the first small-scale fisheries in the world compelled to make changes to increase the in northern Spain. Here, certification has (FAO) Guidelines for Securing Sustainable
Page 18 sardine
to achieve MSC certification, and the fifth sustainability of their practices, creating allowed fishers to access new markets in the Small-Scale Fisheries. MSC certification Page 20
fishery overall. The announcement came a numerous examples of improvements. For USA and Europe, and to realise a significant is used by countries and organisations
few months after the MSC’s fourth birthday, example, since becoming the first freshwater price premium over non-certified rivals as part of their commitments towards
and just 13 months after the first large fishery in the world to achieve MSC (page 28). delivering the SDGs and we are working with
fishery became MSC certified. Since then, certification in 2006, the pike-perch fishery governments, fisheries, retailers, scientists
the number of small-scale fisheries in the in Lake Hjälmaren, Sweden, has successfully Innovation for data-limited fisheries and other partners from around the world Poole Harbour
program has risen steadily. In 2019, 16% reduced its bycatch of non-target species Small-scale fisheries often lack access to put the FAO guidelines for small-scale clam and cockle
of certified fisheries in the program are through the introduction of trap escape to the rigorous, quantitative data that an fisheries into practice, providing practical Western Asturias Page 24
octopus Ben Tre
small-scale. panels (page 26). MSC assessment requires. To address this tools to strengthen small-scale fisheries
Page 28
clam
challenge and ensure that the program management and indicators to Page 16
The 62 small-scale fisheries in the program Economic and social impacts and its benefits are accessible to all, the measure progress.
span 22 countries, from Greenland, Canada The impacts of certification are often felt MSC developed a tool for data-limited Bahamas spiny
and Russia in the north to Chile and Australia on the land, too. MSC-certified small-scale fisheries: the Risk-Based Framework. The Diving deep lobster
in the South. With 9 certified small-scale fisheries support the livelihoods of tens of framework relies on information available The case studies in this report dive into the Page 14
fisheries, Canada tops the list (15% of the thousands globally. This isn’t just through from the fishery and information collected experiences of nine certified small-scale
total) followed by Russia, the UK (both 6, harvesting, but in processing, wholesale or in workshops with fishery stakeholders. So fisheries to better understand the benefits Ashtamudi
10%), Sweden and the USA (both 5, 8%). other fishery-related activities too. Certified far, around half of all certified small-scale that certification can bring. The fisheries clam
Just over half (12, 57%) of the countries with fisheries can be a vital source of employment. fisheries have made use of the framework. span eight countries and four continents. Page 12
a certified small-scale fishery have just The short-neck clam fishery in India’s Fully integrated into the assessment process, Three are located in the Global South.
Sorong skipjack
one. A multiple number of other fisheries Ashtamudi estuary, for example, provides a the Risk-Based Framework can be applied Two are freshwater fisheries. Four target
tuna
in the program are a mix of large and small- livelihood for around 4,500 members of the wherever it is needed. Thus, a certification invertebrates. Four used the Risk-Based
Page 22
scale fisheries. local community (page 12). Similarly, the Baja body can use it for specific indicators where Framework. Despite their diversity, they all
California red rock lobster fishery in Mexico is limited data renders scoring the fishery share a commitment to sustainability, and
Changes on the water an important source of food and income for against the default assessment method all have enjoyed benefits on the journey to
MSC certified
Certification doesn’t just recognise fisheries more than 30,000 people. impractical. For other indicators with get there. small-scale fishery
with a good record on sustainability. It also sufficient data, assessment can revert to
Featured MSC certified
the default method. small-scale fishery
Brown shrimp fisherman working © MSC/ Andreas Birresborn
12 Making Waves: Small-scale fisheries achieving sustainability with the MSC Making Waves: Small-scale fisheries achieving sustainability with the MSC 13
Ashtamudi clam –
Ashtamudi lake, India India's first certified An economic success story
sustainable fishery
In 2014, the Ashtamudi short-neck clam Although these measures helped revive exported to Japan, Australia, SE Asia and
fishery became the first fishery in India clam stocks, the economic value realised by Economic analyses have found that the the United Arab Emirates. But the fishery
to become certified as sustainable. fishers remained low. MSC certification was benefits from certification are at least 1.8 also has ambitions to target the EU and
seen as a way to achieve higher value for a times higher than the estimated costs1. to export whole clams, moves that could
Situated in a wetland of international sustainably managed resource, as well as Since the fishery became certified in 2014, increase revenues by 75%, according to
importance in Southern Kerala, the fishery offering new export opportunities. the price per kg for clam meat rose by over researchers.
provides an important livelihood for around 300% (£3.16/kg increase) in Japanese
4,500 local people. Fishers paddle dug-out Certification was the culmination of a four markets with the price for whole shell- Though these future benefits are yet to
canoes from nearby villages to the shellfish year improvement programme that began on clams also rising by 186% (£0.15/kg be realised, Ashtamudi’s journey towards
beds. Divers dislodge the clams from the with a pre-assessment of the fishery against increase) domestically2. With each fisher sustainability is already making waves, with
seabed with their hands and feet or a team the MSC standard to identify areas of able to collect up to 200kg in 4-5 hours, this other coastal fisheries in India, including
of two or three fishermen will use a hand- management that needed addressing. The can translate into an increase of around the Nagercoil lobster fishery, expressing an
dredge from the canoe. subsequent improvement process involved £30 per day for shell on clams. However it interest in certification and sustainability.
close collaboration between local fishers, is difficult to attribute this price increase to
Species Gear Tonnage Over the past four decades, the fishery’s the Kerala State Fisheries Department, certification alone as other market factors
Short neck clam Hand dredges, Traps 12,000 (2019) fortunes have followed a familiar trajectory Marine Products Export Development may have been at play.
(Paphia malabarica) of boom, bust and recovery. Commercial Authority, researchers at the Central Marine
demand for clams surged in the 1980s and Fisheries Research Institute, local leaders Clams are by far the most economically
by 1991 had peaked at 10,000 tonnes a and WWF-India. important species in the Ashtamudi
year. Two years on, the figure had halved estuary. Estimates place the total value of
as a result of overfishing. With advice from Central to the fishery’s improvements Ashtamudi’s fisheries resources at £11.2
fisheries scientists, the local fishers took was the formation of the Ashtamudi Clam million, with clams alone accounting for
action to allow stocks to recover. They Governing Council, a collective of fishers, £5.72 million (51%).
closed the fishery during the peak breeding managers and stakeholders which has
season from December to February, enabled fishery representation at regional New markets, new fisheries
Workforce Risk-based Economic and introduced a minimum size limit so only and state levels. At present, the clams are largely freeze-
4,500 (est.) framework social benefits mature clams could be sold, and banned dried, cooked & frozen or dehydrated and
Yes Improved governance mechanical clam fishing.
and local agency,
price premiums,
positive cost-benefit
analysis
1. Mohamed, K.S., Kripa, V., Narayankumar, R., Prema, D., Venkatesan, V., Malayilethu, V., Sharma, J., & Sajikumar, K.K. (2016). Assessment
of Eco-labelling as Tool for Conservation and Sustainable Use of Biodiversity in Ashtamudi Lake, Kerala. The Economics of Ecosystems and
Biodiversity India Initiative. GIZ India.
Ashtamudi Estuary short-necked clam fishery, Kerala, India © David Loftus/ MSC 2. Pers. Comm. Dr. K. K. Appukutan, Rtd. CMFRI Scientist, Central Marine Fisheries Institute, India
14 Making Waves: Small-scale fisheries achieving sustainability with the MSC Making Waves: Small-scale fisheries achieving sustainability with the MSC 15
Bahamas spiny lobster – a model
of collaborative partnership Species
Caribbean spiny lobster (Panulirus
argus)
In 2018, the Bahamas spiny lobster fishery Efforts to achieve MSC certification led • Enhancement of enforcement efforts
became the first spiny lobster fishery in the to significant milestones in the to prevent foreign IUU fishing in Gear
Caribbean to become certified, assuring Bahamas, including Bahamas waters Casitas, traps
consumers that it comes from a sustainable
source. Taking place across 117,000km² of • The creation of the Bahamas Spiny Overall, the journey towards certification
ocean, the fishery is estimated to earn US$80 Lobster Working Group (BSLWG), has helped to increase fisher knowledge,
million annually and provides jobs to 9,000 a multi-stakeholder committee improve compliance with regulations and
people. While some fishers use wooden advising the government on fisheries reduce the amount of undersized lobsters Tonnage
traps, most dive down to collect lobsters management caught, allowing the fishery to improve its 2,867 (2016)
from casitas (“little houses”), small table-like profile and maintain access to American
structures placed on the seabed. This method • The enforcement of an annual closed and European markets demanding
of harvesting is incredibly selective and does season to allow spawning of young sustainable shellfish. And while it’s early
not adversely impact the surrounding habitat. lobsters days, certification has already opened up
access to the Chinese market, driving prices
Workforce
9,000 (est.)
In 2009, with demand for sustainable lobster • The establishment of a minimum size to record levels1.
tails rising in key export markets, the fishery limit and protection for egg bearing
decided to pursue MSC certification. As females Thanks to raised awareness of sustainable
a major first step, it created the Bahamas practices and improved management, the
Marine Exporters Association, which • The development of a data collection Bahamian lobster fishery came together and
partnered with WWF, The Nature Conservancy and management system to monitor made significant achievements. The fishers Risk-based framework
and The Bahamas Department of Marine the status of the stock and the processors can maintain their No
Resources to design and implement a position as a primary exporter of lobster
comprehensive Fishery Improvement Project • A peer-reviewed stock assessment tails with the knowledge that their stocks
(FIP) working towards MSC certification. Over are safe from overfishing and depletion.
the course of nine years the FIP advanced the • The development of harvest control Economic and social benefits
sustainability of the fishery to such an extent rules and a fishery management plan Improved communication,
that it was able to enter full assessment and maintenance of market access
achieve certification. Bahamas, Caribbean
1.http://www.tribune242.com/news/2019/sep/02/china-exports-drive-record-crawfish-prices/ Bahamas spiny lobster
16 Making Waves: Small-scale fisheries achieving sustainability with the MSC Making Waves: Small-scale fisheries achieving sustainability with the MSC 17
Ben Tre clam – charting a
sustainable course through Species
Lyrate hard clam (Meretrix lyrata)
local management Gear
Hand gathered
In 2009, the Ben Tre clam fishery in All the cooperatives are actively involved A locally elected ‘clam committee’ now into higher profits for the fishery and higher Tonnage
south-east Vietnam became the first of the in the management of the fishery, with consults the local government to agree wages for cooperative members. This in turn 4,341 (2014)
region’s small-scale fisheries to achieve support provided by the Ben Tre People’s fishery management strategies each year. has led to increased interest in certification
MSC certification. Committee Department of Fisheries and the Newfound motivation has also seen fishers from fishers in other parts of Vietnam.
Ben Tre Department of Agriculture and attend training workshops on environmental
A lack of effective management by central Rural Development. management. And the rewards haven’t only been
government in the 1980s and 1990s lead to financial. The building of watch towers and Workforce
overharvesting, threatening the future of the MSC as a benchmark for Socio-economic rewards the introduction of a fisher ID card system 14,943
fishery. To help address these challenges, sustainable fishing Certification, which was supported by has seen theft in the fishery fall to virtually
fishers came together to establish a In 2005, the Government of Vietnam signed WWF-USA and the Resources Legacy zero, while profits have been invested in the
cooperative system. a Memorandum of Understanding with Sustainable Fisheries Fund, not only building of a new access road.
the MSC declaring their joint commitment increased local empowerment, it also
The cooperatives, which allow community to encouraging sustainable fishing in helped bring economic benefits. Harvesting Risk-based framework
members to collaboratively set rules and the country by promoting and facilitating clams at sustainable levels regulated No
regulations, helped the fishery to chart certification3. Ben Tre was the first fishery to market supply, boosting prices. In one area,
a new, more sustainable course. Today, become certified in the country as a result effort decreased by 22%, but total value at
responsibility for clam harvesting rotates of the initiative. landing increased by 165%, significantly
through each of the 11 cooperatives on a increasing the value of the fishery. Another Economic and social benefits
fortnightly basis. Within each cooperative, In order to meet the requirements of the benefit has been access to new markets, Local empowerment, streamlined
members are given quotas. Around a third MSC standard, fishers established closed particularly Europe, where rising demand governance, price increases, access
collect clams, using only their hands and areas where harvesting is prohibited, for ecolabelled, shell-on clams (which to new markets, higher wages, new
small rakes. The remainder sell their quotas improved data collection and reporting, and require minimal processing) has translated access road
to other members for mutual benefit. banned the harvesting of clams below a Ben Tre, Vietnam
certain size.
3.
http://wwf.panda.org/wwf_news/?uNewsID=180081 Vietnamese clam fishermen. © Leonard Faustle
18 Making Waves: Small-scale fisheries achieving sustainability with the MSC Making Waves: Small-scale fisheries achieving sustainability with the MSC 19
In 2014, the Waterhen Lake walleye and northern the US food service industry, including high-end
Manitoba pike and walleye –
pike gillnet commercial fishery in Manitoba, restaurants. However for one Canadian client,
Canada, became the first freshwater fishery in the Manitoba Liquor & Lotteries, sourcing local,
Western Hemisphere to become certified. sustainably caught fish was a priority. As a result
of certification, Waterhen Lake walleye has
new markets for a
The fishery opens when ice forms on the lake been served in all five of its Casinos of Winnipeg
between November and March. Fishers use gillnets restaurants, as well as meeting commercial
to harvest their catch, a process that is done by demand internationally.
hand. The lake has been fished commercially since
Canadian treasure
1931 and provides an important seasonal income Employment opportunities
for the Skownan First Nation and Métis people After a decade of being shuttered, in November
from Mallard, who collectively hold 17 of the 21 2015, MSC certification prompted the re-
commercial fishing licenses. opening of the Waterhen fish shed where local
catches are weighted, sorted and sold to larger
With a strong cultural tradition of sustainable distributors. This not only allowed certified fish to
harvesting, the fishery was very much in favour of be separated from those caught in nearby lakes
pursuing MSC certification. In 2012, the Waterhen and correctly labelled, it also created a handful
Lake Fishermen’s Association partnered with the of jobs in the community and saved fishers time
Government of Manitoba Sustainable Development and money by cutting in half the distance they
Department, Fish and Wildlife branch, to enter the travelled to sell their harvest.
assessment process, achieving certification two
years later. Recertification and expansion of
the certificate
Along the way and afterwards, the fishery realised In 2018, the fishers of Waterhen Lake
a number of socio-economic benefits including demonstrated their continued interest in the MSC
market access, price premiums and improved by undertaking a re-assessment of Waterhen
collaboration between fishers, local government Lake. The reassessment led the charge to bring
and distributors4. additional fishers, species and lakes into a new
MSC assessment with the assistance of the
Empowered fishers Manitoba Fish and Wildlife officials and funding
Working in cooperation with Manitoba Fish support from the federal Crown-Indigineous
Species Gear Tonnage Workforce Risk-based Economic and and Wildlife officials, fishers contributed to the Relations and Northern Affairs department. With
framework social benefits development of the Lake’s Fishery Management demand for its sustainable catch continuing
Northern pike (Esox Gillnets 41 (2018) 60 (est.) Yes Local empowerment, Plan and set reference points against which the to rise, and relationships with the provincial
lucius), Walleye improved sustainability of fish stocks would be monitored. government going from strength to strength,
(Sander vitreus) governance, access Waterhen Lake continues to be a model of
to new markets, Access to new domestic and collaborative partnership between fishers, local
higher employment international markets leadership and the province.
Walleye is the more iconic of Waterhen's two MSC
certified species, and much of it is destined for
Manitoba, Canada
MSC certified Waterhen Lake. © Mike Seehagel Wakamatsu & Wakamatsu, 2017 https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0308597X16308260
4.20 Making Waves: Small-scale fisheries achieving sustainability with the MSC Making Waves: Small-scale fisheries achieving sustainability with the MSC 21
Cornwall Sardine –
fishing for future generations
Cornwall, a county in the southwest of the The Association was set up in 2004 and works • The awarding of EU protected status,
United Kingdom, has a proud tradition of closely with other stakeholders, including the ensuring that Cornish sardines are legally
sardine fishing dating back nearly 500 years. Cornwall Inshore Fisheries and Conservation protected against imitation throughout
Over the centuries, the importance of the Authority and Cefas, the UK government’s the Union
fishery has waxed and waned. It peaked in fisheries research service.
mid 1800s and was broadly in decline until • The introduction of detailed logbooks
the 1990s, when it underwent a renaissance. With support from British retailer Marks & to capture weights of individual species
Landings have been growing ever since, rising Spencer and industry body Seafish, the caught and retained per haul, discards,
from 7 tonnes in 1997 to almost 4,000 tonnes fishery underwent a trial assessment in 2008 cetacean and seabird interactions and Cornwall, UK
two decades later. under the MSC’s Risk-Based Framework, market-related information.
an initiative to help data-limited fisheries
Today, the fishery consists of fifteen small to achieve MSC certification. Certification • The development of the Fisheries Science
boats catching sardines with purse seine was subsequently awarded in 2010, and Partnership, a project bringing together
nets. The season usually begins in July with recertification followed in 2017. Over this fishers and other key stakeholders to
the arrival of the sardines in Cornish waters, period, several positive outcomes emerged better understand stock health.
Species Workforce
European pilchard (Sardina
and lasts until January. Vessels put to sea 100 (est.)
pilchardus)
from Newlyn, Mevagissey & Plymouth and fish • The development of a new code of Certification has been particularly important
traditional grounds within six nautical miles of conduct that: for gaining and maintaining access to UK
land. Once caught, the sardines are put on ice and overseas markets. And while the fishers
to optimise freshness and quality, and sold to - Promotes safe working conditions themselves are yet to enjoy a price premium Gear Risk-based framework
fish processors or merchants either at a fish for fishing sustainably, demand for their Gillnets, Driftnets, Seine Nets Yes
market or directly from the vessel. - Limits the fishery to 15 vessels, each not sardines is increasing, not only in the UK
exceeding 15m in length. and EU, but also in places as far afield as
The fishery is run by the Cornish Sardine Japan and China, where they are considered
Economic and social benefits
Management Association (CSMA), a - Sets a maximum weekly catch limit of a delicacy. Tonnage Improved working conditions,
partnership between the owners of the fifteen 210 tonnes per vessel.
7,467 (2018) improved communication, rising
vessels, and four local seafood processors.
demand, new market access
The members collectively catch and process - Promotes handling and processing
almost all of the sardines caught in the area. practices that minimise environmental
impacts and waste.
Cornish fishery. © David Loftus22 Making Waves: Small-scale fisheries achieving sustainability with the MSC Making Waves: Small-scale fisheries achieving sustainability with the MSC 23
Sorong skipjack tuna –
a catalyst for change
Species Workforce
Skipjack tuna 750
In late 2018, the PT. Citraraja Ampat The certification process led to A catalyst for change (Katsuwonus pelamis),
Canning, Sorong Pole and Line Skipjack and improvements in several areas, To help meet its obligations under UN Yellowfin tuna (Thunnus
Yellowfin Tuna fishery (PT CRAC) became including fisher training and stakeholder Sustainable Development Goal 14 (Life albacares)
the first tuna fishery in Indonesia, and collaboration, and has also helped to Below Water), MMAF is committed to
second in Southeast Asia, to achieve MSC strengthen the management of Indonesian increasing the number of sustainable
certification. fisheries more broadly. fisheries in Indonesia. Following the
success of the PT CRAC fishery, it has set
Pole and line is a centuries-old technique International collaboration a target for eight further tuna fisheries to
for catching tuna that requires little The Indonesian Ministry of Marine Affairs enter MSC certification in the next year
more than barbless hooks attached to and Fisheries (MMAF) has agreed to work and has recently signed a Memorandum
long wooden poles. The PT CRAC fishery with the fishery to implement the changes of Understanding with the MSC to help Gear Risk-based
comprises 35 pole-and-line vessels needed to address the conditions of facilitate and promote certification. Hooks And Lines framework
collectively employing 750 local fishers. It certification. These improvements will see No
is a partnership between the local fishery the government and other member states Because the certification was awarded only
cooperative and a tuna canning and of the Western and Central Pacific Fisheries recently, it’s too soon to determine what
processing factory in Raja Ampat, Eastern Commission collaborate to promote the economic and social impacts will be.
Indonesia. effective harvest strategies for skipjack and But early signs are encouraging. While price
yellowfin tuna. premiums are yet to be realised, major
Increasing demand for certified sustainable retailers including Sainsbury’s in the UK
tuna from existing markets in Europe and Access to training and Migros in Switzerland have already
the USA prompted the fishery to enter During the certification process and committed to sourcing the certified product, Tonnage Economic and
certification. The aim of certification was subsequently, fishers have received and it is hoped that certification will boost 3,190 (2016) social benefits
not only to demonstrate sustainable fishing training in tuna species identification and sales and local employment5. Improved
practices, but also to ensure commercial data collection methods in order to improve communication and
relationships long into the future. monitoring processes onboard vessels. collaboration, new
market access
Sorong, Indonesia
5.
https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2019/jan/15/one-fish-at-a-time-indonesia-lands-victory-tuna-msc Indonesian pole and line tuna fishery. © IPNLF, Green Renaissance, Warren Smart24 Making Waves: Small-scale fisheries achieving sustainability with the MSC Making Waves: Small-scale fisheries achieving sustainability with the MSC 25
Poole Harbour clam and
cockle – working together, Species
Cockle (Cerastoderma edule),
Manila clam (Ruditapes
improving together
philippinarum)
Gear
Pump-scoop dredges
In 2018, the Poole Harbour Clam and Cockle fishery became the permit system, reducing illegal fishing, protecting
first in the world to achieve certification against both the MSC’s sensitive areas, introducing a closed season and improving
Fisheries Standard and UK industry body Seafish’s Responsible data collection.
Fishing Scheme (RFS).
Today, the 37-vessel fleet operates within a clear management Tonnage
A shallow, natural inlet located in southern England, Poole framework underpinned by robust and transparent information 288 (2018)
Harbour has been home to shellfish harvesters for hundreds of sharing and consultation mechanisms. The targeted clam
years. Cockle fishing has been formally managed since the mid and cockle stocks are being harvested sustainably, and a
1880s, but the clam fishery did not develop until a century later, significant proportion of the fishing grounds is permanently
when non-native Manila clams were introduced for aquaculture. closed to exploitation.
The clams have since become naturalised and today support a Workforce
small fishery with an outsized impact: estimates place its value There is more to do, of course, but to meet the conditions of 45
to the local economy at more than £1.4m. its certification, the fishery has begun working to optimise its
harvesting strategy, and to better understand its impacts on
Both clams and cockles are harvested using pump-scoop endangered, threatened and protected species through a formal
dredges operated from small, open day boats, a method unique monitoring programme.
Risk-based framework
to Poole Harbour.
Yes
With certification having been achieved only recently, market
Over much of the last decade, the fishery has worked hard to put development remains in its infancy. At present, most of the catch
itself on a sustainable footing. The Southern Inshore Fisheries is retained in the UK, with additional markets in France and
and Conservation Authority has been central to this journey, Spain. But fishers hope that the double award of RFS and MSC
joining forces with the fishers and other key stakeholders to certification will maximise the pool of sustainability-focused Economic and social
introduce both a Code of Practice for protection of sensitive retailers they can supply, increasing prices, and bringing benefits benefits
features and a new byelaw. Taken together, these measures are to the local economy for years to come. Not Yet
safeguarding the future of the fishery by restricting entry via a Poole Harbour, UK26 Making Waves: Small-scale fisheries achieving sustainability with the MSC Making Waves: Small-scale fisheries achieving sustainability with the MSC 27
In 2006 the Lake Hjälmaren pike-perch and introducing a closed season to protect
fishery became the first freshwater spawning stock.
fishery to receive MSC certification.
Lake Hjälmaren pike-perch
These changes helped the stock to rebound,
Lake Hjälmaren is the 4th biggest lake in and with this success under its belt, MSC
Sweden and has been home to pike-perch certification was a natural next step for the
fishers for 17 generations. The lake spans fishery.
– collaborating to improve
three different counties, all of which play
a role in the management of the fishery, The certification process delivered several
collaboratively assigning fishing permits positive changes
each year to nearly three dozen local
management
fishers. • The development of a major research
collaboration between the fishery and
Pike-perch, also known as zander, are scientists in Stockholm has allowed
pelagic fish found in rivers & lakes in stock reference points to be developed,
north and central Europe. Fast predators, and monitoring of juvenile fish, other
they can live for more than 20 years and bycatch, and bird mortality to be
grow to around 20 kilos. introduced.
Due to Sweden’s varied climate, the • The establishment of a fish auction in
fishery makes use of two different Stockholm where fishers can sell their
techniques, both low impact in nature. catch. While not every fisher makes
In the colder winter months when the use of the facility, its introduction has
Species Workforce lake is frozen, fishers set gillnets under helped to shorten supply chains and
Pike-perch (Sander lucioperca) 36 the ice. Once the ice has melted in the maximise sale prices for those who do.
summer, they switch to traps. These are
set at a maximum depth of 5m to prevent Since its initial certification more than a
overexpansion of fish swim bladders, decade ago, the fishery has been recertified
Gear Risk-based framework which can cause them to float to the twice more. Certification has opened up
Gillnets, Traps No surface and be eaten by birds. access to markets in Germany, Austria and
France. And now others have taken notice of
In the early 2000s, when fishers noticed Hjälmaren Lake’s success and are charting
that catches were starting to decline, sustainable courses of their own, chief
Economic and social benefits
they promptly took action, increasing the among them the pike-perch fisheries in the
Tonnage Improved collaboration and
minimum landing size from 40 to 45cm, nearby lakes of Mälaren and Vänern, which
201 (2016) communication, shorter supply
the minimum mesh size of the nets from became MSC certified in 2017.
Lake Hjälmaren, Sweden chains, income stability
5 to 6cm, improving handling methods,
Fisher Anna Vesper Gunnarsson fishing pike-perch in Lake Hjälmaren in Sweden. Photographer Ulf Berglund. © Karolina Pihlo28 Making Waves: Small-scale fisheries achieving sustainability with the MSC Making Waves: Small-scale fisheries achieving sustainability with the MSC 29
Western Asturias
octopus – a small
fishery doing great
things Asturias, Spain
In 2016, the Western Asturias octopus the way, a number of positive social and and access to new markets. Data to facilitate the development of Harvest
fishery of north-west Spain became the economic changes were realised. gathering, triggered by the conditions Control Rules by researchers at the
first such fishery to be certified to the of improvement placed on the fishery, University of Oviedo. Such rules are a
Marine Stewardship Council Fisheries • The four fishing associations merged highlighted weaknesses in the condition of recertification.
Standard. to create a single entity, ARPESOS. enforcement capacities of the regional
This has improved decision making government. The regional government However, the certification process has
Species Gear Tonnage Based in the Navia-Porcía region, the and empowered fishers at the local moved to bolster its enforcement not been without its challenges. The
Common octopus Traps 34 (2015) 31-boat fishery is entirely small-scale in level to contribute to broader fisheries capacity, purchasing a new patrol short-lived nature of the target species
(Octopus vulgaris) nature, with a catch of around 50 tonnes governance. Recommendations by vessel and exploring the use of makes it difficult to assess the health of
per year. Fishers from four artisanal ARPESOS to improve the setting surveillance drones. the population using conventional stock
associations use traps to harvest the of fishery-specific objectives were assessment tools. Having had the initial
common octopus (Octopus vulgaris), a recently incorporated into the regional • Certification itself has allowed the certification funded by the European
socio-economically important species in legislation. fishery to access new markets in the Maritime and Fisheries Fund, the cost of
many coastal towns in the region. USA and Europe, with certified fishers annual audits and future recertification
• As ARPESOS, fishers have also realising a significant price premium may pose a financial challenge to what
Workforce Risk-based Economic and Certification was the culmination of several reorganised the auction process, over non-certified rivals. is a relatively small fishery. That said,
78 (est.) framework social benefits years of hard work by the associations gaining more control of the first MSC certification recognises the region’s
Yes Local empowerment, and other key stakeholders, including sale process which has resulted in • Certification has also prompted the commitment to a sustainable future.
new market access, the regional fisheries department. Along better prices, longer-term contracts regional government to mobilise funds
price premiums
Sunrise Landscape at Viavelez fishing port of Asturias. © Jorge Gallego © Fabien Bazanegue30 Making Waves: Small-scale fisheries achieving sustainability with the MSC Making Waves: Small-scale fisheries achieving sustainability with the MSC 31
Widening the net
Certification is an effective tool for fishery in Spain (page 28), where differences, we find a shared commitment The fisheries featured here are just a small To make this a reality, we are continuing to
seafood sustainability in small-scale certification has allowed fishers to access to future generations and a recognition sample of those that have already attained consolidate and improve the tools, support
contexts in both the Global North and new markets in the USA and Europe, and that this is best achieved through MSC certification. They offer a window to a and guidance we offer to fisheries on our
South. This report demonstrates how the Ben Tre clam fishery in Vietnam (page collaboration and partnership. more sustainable future, one in which Pathway to Sustainability program. We are
MSC’s two-decades-long engagement 16), where value at landing increased by collaboration is key, and act as beacons to also exploring new approaches for
with small-scale fisheries has not only 165% following certification. For fisheries On their journeys towards sustainability, other fisheries in their sector. assessing mixed species fisheries, and
provided environmental improvements, that have only recently achieved many fisheries form or strengthen working to develop new methods for those
through increased stock levels and certification, such as the Bahamas spiny multi-stakeholder committees, councils or The MSC is committed to strengthening our with data limitations.
reduced ecosystem impacts, but lobster (page 14), Poole harbour clam and associations, including those in India (page work with small-scale fisheries as we
economic and social benefits too. cockle (page 24) and Sorong skipjack tuna 12), the Bahamas (page 14), Vietnam (page support their transition to sustainability. There is no time to lose. As the ocean crisis
(page 22) fisheries it is too early to 16), Canada (page 18) and Spain (page 28). We recognise the diverse challenges facing deepens, we need to move faster to
As of 2019 there are over 60 MSC certified determine the full extent of economic and Some also collaborate with researchers or fisheries, especially within the Global ensure that all small-scale fisheries
small-scale fisheries, supporting over social changes, but here too the processors to deliver sustainable South, with many lacking the data, become sustainable.
80,000 people around the world. The nine environmental benefits are evident. outcomes, better data and improved governance and formal management
fisheries featured here alone support the decision making, as shown by those in the needed to meet the stringent requirements But the MSC cannot solve overfishing
livelihoods of nearly 30,000 people, and Our report makes clear that small-scale UK (page 20, Indonesia (page 22) and of the MSC Standard, or simply unable to alone. To achieve our vision of oceans
collectively land 27,000 tonnes of seafood fisheries encompasses a huge diversity Sweden (page 26). afford the cost of assessment. teeming with life and seafood supplies
each year. of practices and contexts, sustaining safeguarded for this and future
hundreds of thousands of people in both Around the world, small-scale fisheries are Currently only a small proportion of the generations, we need urgent, large-scale
The experience of more mature fisheries the Global South and North. Supporting vital for the food security and the world’s small-scale fisheries are MSC action from across the seafood industry.
shows that MSC certification opens up sustainable practices requires a flexible livelihoods of hundreds of millions of certified, but we are working hard to Collaboration and communication will be
new markets and can deliver price approach to, and understanding of, people. Ensuring they’re well managed and change this. Our ambition is to significantly central to this endeavour too. We can make
premiums. Compelling examples of this differing gears types, target species, sustainable couldn’t be more important. increase the number that are benefiting sure that all small-scale fisheries globally
include the Western Asturias octopus processes and markets. But despite these from engagement with the MSC program. are on the pathway to sustainability, but
only if we act together.
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