November 11, 2024 — The following released by the Marine Stewardship Council:

The Alaska salmon fishery today achieved its recertification against the Marine Stewardship Council (MSC) Fisheries Standard – the fishery’s fifth certification, marking 25 years of engagement with the MSC program. The Alaska salmon certificate is held by the Alaska Fisheries Development Foundation (AFDF).

The MSC certification process, which requires rigorous, science-based assessments and regular audits by a third-party assessor, ensures that certified fisheries meet stringent criteria for sustainable fishing practices. Principles of the MSC Fisheries Standard include maintaining healthy fish populations, preserving the marine ecosystem, and ensuring the fishery is properly managed and follows international treaties, federal laws, and state regulations. MSC fishery certificates are valid for five years.

As one of the original fisheries to join the MSC program, the Alaska salmon fishery is a pioneer of high standards for sustainable fishing and environmental stewardship. Alaska salmon was the third fishery in the world, and first US fishery, to achieve MSC certification in September 2000.

The MSC certified Alaska salmon fishery includes five species of Pacific salmon: Coho-silver salmon (Oncorhynchus kisutch), Chinook salmon (Oncorhynchus tshawytscha), Sockeye-red salmon (Oncorhynchus nerka), Pink salmon (Oncorhynchus gorbuscha), and Chum salmon (Oncorhynchus keta). Seven gear types across 14 geographic areas are included in the MSC Alaska salmon fisheries certification.

Sustainable resource management is reflected in Alaska’s commitment to preserving the state’s natural resources. Alaska’s approach to fisheries management works to ensure that fishing practices remain sustainable and that vital resources, like wild salmon, continue to thrive in healthy ecosystems. Alaska salmon’s MSC certification provides third-party validation of the fishery’s sustainable practices, offering consumers a trusted and credible mark of assurance of Alaska’s commitment to sustainable fishing.

“The Alaska salmon fishery has been a true leader in the sustainable seafood movement with 25 years of engagement with the MSC,” said Nicole Condon, US program director at the Marine Stewardship Council.  “This milestone is a testament not only to their leadership but also to the tireless efforts of everyone involved in the fishery to protect our ocean and fishery resources. Congratulations on this landmark achievement!”

“Achieving our fifth MSC certification is more than just an accomplishment—it’s a testament to the Alaska salmon fishery’s legacy of sustainability and stewardship,” said Kristy Clement, CEO of the Alaska Fisheries Development Foundation. “For a quarter century, the Alaska salmon fishery has exemplified the MSC’s rigorous standard for sustainable fishing, rooted in practices that trace back to Alaska’s Indigenous traditions, where sustainability and stewardship are a way of life. This milestone reflects the dedication of our fishers, processors, and management partners who continue to uphold these essential practices, reaffirming Alaska’s commitment to responsible salmon fishing.”

“Alaska Salmon’s fifth certification deserves the highest recognition. 25 years in the MSC program is a powerful validation of long-term dedication to sustainable fishing,” said Dan Averill, Senior Fisheries Manager at the Marine Stewardship Council. “I commend the Alaska Department of Fish and Game for their statewide management of salmon, as well as all the fishermen and the processors who help to feed the world.”

With this recertification, the Alaska salmon fishery continues to uphold the highest standards in sustainable fishing, making MSC certified sustainable seafood available worldwide. Salmon is a popular culinary choice world-wide and consistently ranks as one of the most consumed seafood species globally.

The fishery’s MSC certificate is valid until 2028 but will undergo annual audits by a third-party assessor to ensure it continues to meet the MSC standard.