Certification Programs

Certification seals are a marketing tool employed to assure consumers that a packaged seafood product meets a sufficient level of sustainability standards.    The following certification programs are in place to help guide consumer choice. 

• Marine Stewardship Council (MSC) - “Gold standard” - sustainable fisheries, minimal environmental impact, effective fishing management practices.
• Aquaculture Stewardship Council (ASC) - Farmed seafood, environmentally and socially responsible (shrimp, talapia, salmon).
• Responsible Fisheries Management (RFM) - Offers a chain of custody and traceability standard on sustainability claims.
• Best Aquaculture Practices (BAP) - Food safety, environmental responsibility, animal welfare. Hatcheries, farms, and processing plants. Traceable from farm to table.
• Global Seafood Alliance (GSA) - A program that brings farmers and retailers together to produce and market safe food.
• Friend of the Sea (FOS) - Wild caught and farmed ensuring no overfishing, minimal impact on marine environments. Favorite species: sardines, clams, mussels.
• Safe Quality Food (SQF) - Food safety and quality, storage, transportation and handling.
• Certified Seafood Collaborative’s Responsible Fisheries Management (RFM) - Certifies fisheries based on internationally-accepted principles.
• Fair Trade USA Capture Fisheries Certification - A program that certifies fair trade agricultural and fishing.
• American Fisheries Society - A program that offers professional certifications for fisheries professionals.
• Monterrey Bay Seafood Watch - Recommendations on best choices, certifications, and products to avoid.