Despite operating in differing seafood sectors, the Marine Stewardship Council (MSC) and the Aquaculture Stewardship Council (ASC) both essentially seek the same thing. Which is why it’s hardly surprising that the two regulation bodies decided to sign a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) this week, pooling their efforts in the hunt for sustainable best practices.
Rupert Howes, CEO of the MSC, insists that such a melding of the minds between the two organizations will kick seafood’s operational efficiencies into top gear.
"The MSC and ASC share a common heritage and vision that global seafood supplies should be sustainable, responsibly managed and supported by secure supply chains. Cooperation between our organisations will bring greater operational efficiencies and adds value to our partners," said Howes.
The commonalities that ASC and MSC share seem poised to make for a fruitful collaboration. Not only do both organizations seek “to recognize and reward existing best practice and to incentivize improvements by recognizing fisheries and farms that meet their standards,” according to MSC – they also share a vision that such standard systems should conform to international norms and codes of good conduct, including FAO Guidelines for ecolabelling and ISEAL Codes.
Paramount to the success of this MSC-ASC union is the furthered use and streamlining of a Chain of Custody Standard process (like that employed by MSC currently) and the complementary approach that both assessors assume when administering their logos.
“Through collaboration we can achieve our mutual goals more effectively," said Chris Ninnes, CEO of ASC. "By sharing a Chain of Custody process we benefit the entire value chain, which enables the continued development of an industry that contributes to food security and supports local communities without compromising environmental integrity."
Furthermore, new standard development can be expected as a result of the intended collaboration, particularly for producers who toe the line of the wild-enhanced aquaculture boundary, such as seaweed suppliers. MSC also plans to extend a hand to ASC when delivering regional outreach for shared commercial and supply chain partners.
While inked on 24 June, the MOU is effective as of 1 January 2015 and “will remain in force in perpetuity, subject to periodic review as requested by either party,” noted MSC.
