MSC seal explained: What does MSC certified really mean?
The MSC seal identifies wild-caught fish from fisheries that meet three core principles: healthy stock sizes, low-impact fishing methods, and effective fisheries management. It is considered the most well-known sustainability label for fish worldwide. Recently, however, criticism of the certification has also been repeatedly voiced. We explain what "MSC-certified" specifically means, where the label's strengths lie, what is criticized as weaknesses, and what you should really look out for when buying seafood.
We all see it again and again on fish and seafood packaging – the blue oval seal with a white fish: MSC. Three letters that are meant to tell you that this product was caught sustainably. But is that really true? And what exactly is behind it? Can you enjoy seafood with the MSC label with a clear conscience?
What does MSC-certified mean?
"MSC" stands for "Marine Stewardship Council" and is a non-profit organization founded in 1997 by the WWF and the food conglomerate Unilever. Its goal: to guide global fisheries towards more sustainable practices through a certification program, ensuring that future generations can continue to rely on healthy oceans as a source of food. To achieve this, over 200 experts from science, fisheries, and environmental organizations developed the MSC environmental standard. This defines sustainable fishing through specific criteria that are regularly updated based on current research findings.
If a fish or seafood product bears the MSC label, it comes from a fishery that met the MSC's sustainability criteria during an 18-month assessment process by independent, external experts.
Important: The MSC label applies exclusively to wild-caught fish, meaning fish caught in the ocean or in lakes. For fish and seafood from aquaculture, i.e. farmed fish, there is a separate label – issued by the ASC ("Aquaculture Stewardship Council"). The two labels complement each other and cover different areas of fish production. At HONEST CATCH, we deliberately offer products with both the MSC and ASC seals.
The three core principles of the MSC seal
- Principle 1 - Healthy fish stocks: The fishery does not exploid overfished stocks. This means that no more fish are caught than can regenerate.
- Principle 2 - Minimizing ecosystem impact: The impact on the marine environment must be acceptable: The seabed must not be damaged by fishing and stocks must not be threatened by excessive bycatch.
- Principle 3 - Effective fishery management: The fishery must understand its impact on the ecosystem and continuously work to improve it. It must comply with all applicable laws and adapt to changing conditions.
MSC-certified products
raw mussel meat | 1 kg
from CHF 89.99*
In shell | 75 g - 165 g
from CHF 20.99*
with skin | 150 g, 1 kg
from CHF 15.99*
in shell | 120 g, 190 g
from CHF 25.99*
with head, shell & scissors | 130 g, 160g
from CHF 22.99*
headless, with skin | 400 g
CHF 16.99*
CHF 42.48 /kg
How does MSC certification work?
Over the course of an approximately 18-month certification process, independent experts assess a fishery against 25 individual criteria, each of which contains further sub-criteria. This involves on-board visits to the fishery, as well as consultations with representatives, local authorities, fishery observers, and environmental organizations, and the analysis of scientific data and studies.
After the assessment, there are three possible outcomes:
- The fishery passes and receives certification.
- The fishery meets 60-80 percent of the criteria and passes with conditions which must be fulfilled within a maximum of five years.
- The fishery fails.
The certification is generally valid for five years. During this period, annual audits are conducted. If conditions are not met or deteriorate, the certificate can be revoked.
Criticism of the MSC seal: What you need to know
No label is perfect. And there are also points of criticism regarding the MSC that we want to talk about openly.
Greenpeace, for example, criticizes that the standards are too weak and not clearly defined, and that only 60 to 80 percent of the criteria need to be met for certification (with conditions).
Furthermore, the MSC label does not include social standards. Working conditions on fishing vessels are therefore not assessed, which is seen as a gap in what should be a comprehensive sustainability label.
The MSC itself argues that the MSC environmental standard is the world's most stringent and recognized standard for assessing and certifying sustainable fisheries, and that the conditions system specifically promotes improvements rather than only allowing perfect fisheries. According to the consumer advice center, the MSC label is a step in the right direction and has contributed to promoting sustainable fishing and anchoring it as an important goal in society.
Our honest assessment: The MSC seal is not flawless. But it is the best available standard for wild-caught fish. Choosing to forgo labels altogether ultimately provides less guidance, not more.
What you should really pay attention to when buying fish
The MSC label is a good first indicator when it comes to sustainable fish and seafood. But it shouldn't be your only criterion. Also pay attention to transparency around origin, the fishing methods used, and whether a supplier openly communicates its supply chain.
Here are a few tips for your next conscious purchase:
Use labels as a guide:
MSC for wild fish, ASC for farmed fish, and the organic seal for ecological aquaculture give you a helpful strting point. None of them are perfect, but all offer more reassurance than no label.
Check the origin:
Where exactly does the product come from? What fishing method was used? In our shop, you can find this information for each product on its respective page. Because transparency is part of our promise.
Add variety to your plate:
Feel free to try something new – there are so many great fish and seafood. With our fish quiz and the shrimp quiz, you can find out which products best suit you and your taste.
Trust the supplier:
Ultimately, it also matters who you buy your fish from. A supplier who openly talks about origin, labels, and even weaknesses deserves your trust more than one who simply puts a logo on the packaging.
Conclusion: MSC certification as a solid foundation, but not the whole story
The MSC label is the most well-known and rigorously audited standard for wild-caught fish worldwide. It indicates that a fishery is independently assessed and meets three core principles: healthy stocks, ecosystem protection, and effective management.
At the same time, the label is not flawless. Missing social standards and the fact that not all criteria must be fully met are legitimate points of criticism.
Our advice: Use the MSC label as a solid basis when buying fish. But also look beyond the label. Transparency, origin, and a trustworthy supplier make the difference. At HONEST CATCH, you'll find MSC-certified fish with full transparency regarding origin and fishing methods. Because we believe: Good fish deserves an honest story.
Frequently asked questions about the MSC seal
Is MSC-certified fish truly sustainable?
MSC-certified fish comes from fisheries that have been independently assessed for stock health, ecosystem protection, and fishery management. This initially makes it a more sustainable choice than uncertified fish. However, there is legitimate criticism of certain aspects of the standard. The label is a good indicator, but not a free pass.
Which fish and seafood species are available with the MSC seal?
Globally, more than 590 fisheries meet the sustainability requirements of the MSC Environmental Standard and have demonstrated this through the assessment process. The majority of MSC-certified fisheries are located in the Global North. The label is not limited to individual species – from lobsters, cod, or toothfish, to various shrimp, a wide variety of seafood products carry the label.
How do I recognize the MSC seal when shopping?
The MSC seal is a blue oval logo featuring a stylized white fish and the lettering "MSC". You can find it on the product packaging and in our online shop on the product image and in the product description.
Why isn't all fish MSC-certified?
Currently, MSC-certified fisheries account for around 19 % of the global wild catch. Many fisheries do not (yet) meet the standards or cannot afford the certification process. Smaller fisheries in developing countries, in particular, are at a disadvantage here. The MSC is working to address this through funding programs.
AUTHOR
Annika from HONEST CATCHAs Social Media & Content Manager, Annika is always on the lookout for the latest trends and viral moments. Whether it's sushi ice cream or dumpling lasagna, good food always comes first.
Last updated: 15.04.2026