Environmental Notes

• This fishery is unlikely to have a significant impact on ETP species.
• Bycatch for this fishery is considered low. Management measures are in place to monitor bycatch and reduce impacts.
• This fishery is unlikely to have a significant impact on the sea bed.

General Notes

• This fish plays an important role in the marine food web and so potential impacts on the wider marine ecosystem must be monitored.

References

Good Fish Guide - Alaska pollock, Bering Sea and Aleutian Islands: Certified fleets only, Net (pelagic trawl), Marine Stewardship Council (MSC)

Good Fish Guide - Alaska pollock, Gulf of Alaska: Certified fleets only, Net (pelagic trawl), Marine Stewardship Council (MSC)

Environmental Notes

• This fishery is unlikely to have a significant impact on ETP species.
• Handline fisheries have little bycatch but rely on the use of baitfish, but impacts on baitfish are thought likely to be low in this fishery.
• This fishery is unlikely to have a significant impact on the sea bed.

General Notes

References

Good Fish Guide - Albacore tuna, North Atlantic, Hook & line (pole & line), Marine Stewardship Council (MSC)

Seafood Watch Recommendation for Albacore, Spain, Northeast Atlantic Ocean, Handlines and pole-lines (hand-operated), Trolling lines, Marine Stewardship Council Certified North Atlantic albacore artisanal Fishery

Environmental Notes

• This fishery is unlikely to have a significant impact on ETP species. Interactions with seabirds only have been reported in the pole and line fishery and almost all birds are released alive.
• Other tunas, billfishes, and sharks are caught in the South Atlantic albacore fishery. South Africa is compliant with all bycatch management measures.
• Pole and line gear is expected to have little to no impact on the sea bed.

General Notes

• Area closures and vessel monitoring systems are used to help protect the ecosystem but more regular monitoring is needed to understand the impact of the fishery on the ecosystem.

Environmental Notes

• There are risks to seabirds, sea turtles, sharks, rays and marine mammals with this fishery, but there are some mitigation measures in place. Certified fleets have higher observer coverage than uncertified fleets.
• Bycatch is a risk for this fishery, but there are some mitigation measures in place. Certified fleets have more measures to reduce bycatch than uncertified fleets.
• This fishery is unlikely to have a significant impact on the sea bed.

General Notes

References

Good Fish Guide - Albacore tuna, South Pacific: Certified fleets only, Hook & line (longline), Marine Stewardship Council (MSC)

Environmental Notes

• Interactions with ETP species are low. But entanglement in lobster gear presents a risk to marine mammals, in particular to the critically endangered North Atlantic Right whale. Management measures such as temporary closures are in place to reduce the risk of interactions with the species.
• Bycatch in this fishery is considered low. But there is some uncertainty about the accuracy of bycatch reporting of rock crab.
• This fishery is unlikely to have a significant impact on the sea bed. Management measures including seasonal closures and marine protected areas are in place to help mitigate any impacts.

General Notes

• Marine protected areas and area closures are used to limit ecosystem impacts.

Environmental Notes

• At-sea observer coverage provides information on bycaught ETP species, which include; wolffish, Atlantic cod, redfish, sharks and skates, among other species. A management plan is in place to reduce impacts on ETP species.
• At-sea observer coverage is also used to provide information on bycatch of non-ETP species, which include finfish and invertebrates. Bycatch in the offshore fishery is below the critical level at 5.4%. A management plan sets regulations on bycatch.
• Dredges will directly impact on the sea bed, but the fishery is considered highly unlikely to reduce habitat structure and function to a point where there would be serious or irreversible harm. Management actions to minimize dredging disturbance include reducing the offshore fleet size, and mapping the bottom floor to increase harvest efficiency.

General Notes

Reference

Lloyd's Register, December 2020, MSC Public Certification Report for Eastern Canada Offshore Scallop Fishery

Environmental Notes

• There are risks to sharks, seabirds and marine mammals with this fishery. Some management measures are in place but more information is needed to assess the impact of the fishery with a high degree of certainty.
• The main bycatch species in this fishery is Argentine hake, which accounted for around 9-17% of the catch in recent fishing seasons. Management measures are in place including area closures and the mandatory use of escape devices for hakes in shrimp nets.
• Bottom trawls directly impact on the sea bed. But management measures are in place. Shrimp fishing vessels are required to use vessel monitoring systems. In addition, the fishing area has been mapped and any bycatch of benthic species is routinely monitored. Much of the sea bed where the fishery takes place is muddy or fine sand bottom.

General Notes

• This fishery achieved certification in February 2026, after the reporting period.

References

FisheryProgress - Argentina offshore red shrimp - bottom trawl

Organizacion Internacional Agropecuaria (OIA), February 2026, Argentine red shrimp (Pleoticus muelleri) offshore bottom trawl fishery in federal waters Public Certification Report

Environmental Notes

• There are concerns about the cumulative impacts of the Barents Sea fishery upon the endangered species, golden redfish. Scientific advice is to reduce the catch to zero tonnes.
• There is bycatch for this fishery but non-target species are retained. Management measures are in place to reduce impacts on retained species.
• Management measures are in place to limit impacts on benthic habitats, including the use of area closures.

General Notes

• There is a good understanding of the marine food web in the Barents Sea and the importance of species such as cod, which is a top predator in the ecosystem. Despite the impacts of the Barents Sea cod fishery on ETP species, bycatch and benthic habitats, it has been concluded that the fishery is highly unlikely to disrupt key elements of the ecosystem or the stability of the food web by itself.

Environmental Notes

• Bycatch of the vulnerable spotted wolffish and beaked redfish is a concern.
• There is bycatch for this fishery but non-target species are retained. Management measures are in place to reduce impacts on retained species.
• Bottom trawls directly impact on the sea bed. However, the fishery operates at a depth where it is unlikely to impact vulnerable marine ecosystems.

General Notes

References

Good Fish Guide - Atlantic cod, Iceland, Bottom trawl (otter), Marine Stewardship Council (MSC)

Environmental Notes

• Measures to record and reduce bycatch of marine mammals and sea birds in the gillnet and longline component of the fishery are needed.
• There is bycatch for this fishery but non-target species are retained. Management measures are in place to reduce impacts on retained species.
• The impact depends on the gear type. Longlines will have less impact on the sea bed than bottom trawls.

General Notes

References

Good Fish Guide - Atlantic cod, Iceland, Hook & line (longline), Marine Stewardship Council (MSC)

Environmental Notes

• This fishery is unlikely to have direct impacts on ETP species.
• There is bycatch for this fishery but non-target species are retained. Bycatch species include wolffish and redfish. Management measures are in place to reduce impacts on retained species.
• This fishery is unlikely to have a significant impact on the sea bed.

General Notes

References

Global Trust Certification, December 2022, Public Certification Report ISF Iceland Cod Fishery (Reassessment)

Environmental Notes

• Atlantic halibut have a high requirement for fish in their diet. Certification criteria encourage the use of responsibly sourced marine products in feed.
• There is potential for escapes, disease outbreaks, and impacts on wild fish populations.
• There is potential to impact surrounding water quality.

General Notes

• The environmental impacts described are addressed to some degree by certification.

References

Good Fish Guide - Atlantic halibut, Norway, All areas, Open net pen, marine, GLOBALG.A.P.

Environmental Notes

• Profile not yet complete.

General Notes

• This fishery is part of the North East Atlantic Mackerel and Atlanto-Scandian Herring FIP.

References

NAPA - Mackerel and Herring Fishery Improvement Project

Environmental Notes

• Risks to ETP species are considered to be low.
• Atlantic herring comprise around 99% of the catch. A discard ban is in place and all commercial species except undersized halibut must be landed.
• Habitat impacts from the fishery are thought to be minimal.

General Notes

• This fishery is part of the North East Atlantic Mackerel and Atlanto-Scandian Herring FIP.

References

NAPA - Mackerel and Herring Fishery Improvement Project

Environmental Notes

• This fishery is unlikely to impact ETP species. Gear measures are in place to avoid bycatch of marine mammals.
• Bycatch for this fishery is considered low.
• This fishery is unlikely to have a significant impact on the sea bed.

General Notes

• This species plays an important role in the marine food web and so potential impacts on the wider marine ecosystem must be monitored. The current stability of the herring population means that ecosystem concerns are low.

References

Good Fish Guide - Herring, North Sea Autumn Spawners: North Sea, Skagerrak and Kattegat, English Channel (East): Certified fleets only, Net (pelagic trawl), Marine Stewardship Council (MSC)

Environmental Notes

• This fishery is unlikely to have direct impacts on ETP species but mackerel plays an important role in the marine food web so potential impacts on the wider marine ecosystem must be monitored.
• Bycatch in this fishery is considered low.
• This fishery is unlikely to have a significant impact on the sea bed.

General Notes

• Certification for this fishery was publicly suspended in March 2019 due to concerns regarding overfishing.
• In response to the suspension of the fishery, a supply chain-led initiative called the North Atlantic Pelagic Advocacy (NAPA) Group was formed by retailers and processors in the UK, and has since expanded to include European retailers and processors. NAPA aims to develop a shared solution to sustainability issues in the North East Atlantic fisheries for mackerel, herring and blue whiting, and is seeking a formal agreement on catch limits for North East Atlantic Pelagic fisheries that reflects the scientific advice.
• The fishery is now in a FIP.

References

North Atlantic Pelagic Advocacy (NAPA) Group North East Atlantic mackerel and Atlanto-Scandian herring FIP

Environmental Notes

• This fishery is unlikely to have direct impacts on ETP species but mackerel plays an important role in the marine food web so potential impacts on the wider marine ecosystem must be monitored.
• Bycatch in this fishery is considered low.
• This fishery is unlikely to have a significant impact on the sea bed.

General Notes

• Certification for this fishery was publicly suspended in March 2019 due to concerns regarding overfishing.
• In response to the suspension of the fishery, a supply chain-led initiative called the North Atlantic Pelagic Advocacy (NAPA) Group was formed by retailers and processors in the UK, and has since expanded to include European retailers and processors. NAPA aims to develop a shared solution to sustainability issues in the North East Atlantic fisheries for mackerel, herring and blue whiting, and is seeking a formal agreement on catch limits for North East Atlantic Pelagic fisheries that reflects the scientific advice.
• The fishery is now in a FIP.

References

North Atlantic Pelagic Advocacy (NAPA) Group North East Atlantic mackerel and Atlanto-Scandian herring FIP

Environmental Notes

• Salmon rely on wild capture fisheries for feed. Marine ingredients are sourced from fisheries that currently have no serious conservation concerns.
• There are concerns about the impact of farmed salmon escapes and disease outbreaks on wild salmonids. In addition, concerns have been expressed about the impact on wild wrasse populations used as cleaner fish to control sea lice.
• Impacts on water quality are localized, but there is potential for cumulative impacts in densely farmed areas. Chemical inputs of pesticides used to control sea lice are of particular concern for farmed Scottish salmon. The use of chemical pesticides has declined over the last decade but varies by region.

General Notes

• The environmental impacts described are addressed to some degree by certification.
• The industry follows a zonal approach to aquaculture management with respect to planning, siting, licensing, and operation.

References:

FishSource - salmon, United Kingdom

Good Fish Guide - Atlantic Salmon, Europe: UK, Scotland, Open net pen, marine

Good Fish Guide - Atlantic salmon, Europe: Scotland, Norway, Faroe Islands, Open net pen, marine, GLOBALG.A.P.

Seafood Watch, December 2021, Atlantic Salmon, Scotland, Marine Net Pens 

Environmental Notes

• Catch may include ETP species of skates and the vulnerable North Sea cod. Mitigation measures include seasonal closures.
• Brill is mainly caught as bycatch.
• Bottom trawls will directly impact on the sea bed. Marine protected areas are used to help protect habitats.

General Notes

References

Good Fish Guide - Brill, North Sea, Skagerrak and Kattegat, English Channel: All areas, Bottom trawl (otter)

Environmental Notes

• Interactions with seabirds may occur. More detailed data is needed to understand the effects of the trawl fishery.
• No main bycatch species have been identified and mitigation measures are in place.
• Bottom trawls will directly impact on the sea bed. The footprint of the fishery is limited and management measures are in place to limit habitat impacts.

General Notes

References

Control Union, November 2020, Marine Stewardship Council (MSC) Public Certification Report for Namibia hake trawl and longline fishery

Environmental Notes

• This fishery is unlikely to have a significant impact on ETP species.
• Bycatch for this fishery is considered low.
• This fishery is unlikely to have a significant impact on the sea bed.

General Notes

References

MRAG Americas, November 2024, Alaska Salmon Fishery Public Certification Report Reassessment

Environmental Notes

• Interactions have not been recorded with ETP species in the certified fishery. Fishing activity has been mapped against available information on ETP species, with 12 species identified as likely to be encountered and recorded in guides for fishers. Interactions with ETP species must now be reported to the local authority.
• Small amounts of other shellfish and crabs are caught as bycatch.
• Poole Harbor has been assigned several designations including Special Areas of Conservation (SAC) and Special Protection
  Areas (SPA). The use of seasonal closures is expected to support habitat recovery from fishing activity.

General Notes

References

Control Union, April 2023, Marine Stewardship Council (MSC) Reduced Reassessment Report The Poole Harbour Clam & Cockle Fishery

Environmental Notes

• Pink sea fan and other coral species, as well as skates and rays, may be affected by bottom trawling in this area.
• Bycatch is a risk for this fishery. The bottom trawl gear used is not very selective and the fishery catches a variety of mixed demersal finfish, including undersized plaice.
• Bottom trawls will directly impact on the sea bed. Some mitigation measures are in place including a ban on bottom trawling below 800m.

General Notes

References

Good Fish Guide - Dover sole, English Channel (West): all areas, Bottom trawl (otter)

Environmental Notes

• No feed inputs are used to support farmed oysters.
• Pacific oysters are non-native to the UK and may compete with native oyster species.
• There is no concern regarding pollution from nutrients or organic matter. No feed or chemical inputs are used to support farmed oysters.

General Notes

References:

Good Fish Guide - Pacific oyster, UK, Culture, suspension

Environmental Notes

• Previous concerns over interactions with seabirds have been mitigated using bird scaring lines and a reduction in fishing effort. However, there is still a lack of knowledge regarding the extent of fishery interactions with some ETP species.
• There is bycatch for this fishery but there is a strategy in place for managing retained species. The estimated discard rate for the fishery is low.
• Bottom trawls will directly impact on the sea bed, however, this fishery is considered highly unlikely to have an irreversible impact on habitat structure and function.

General Notes

References
LLoyd's Register, 2021, MSC Public Certification Report for South Africa Hake Trawl Fishery - Third Reassessment

Environmental Notes

• This fishery is unlikely to have a significant impact on ETP species.
• This species is caught in a mixed fishery for lobster and crab. Pots tend to be selective, with escape panels used to reduce bycatch, and bycatch species can usually be released alive. However, there are some concerns about the source of bait species used.
• This fishery is unlikely to have a significant impact on the sea bed though cumulative impacts can occur.

General Notes

References

Good Fish Guide - Brown crab, England (Celtic Sea): Cornwall IFCA District (0-6nm), Pot, trap or creel

Good Fish Guide - Brown crab, England (Celtic Sea): Devon and Severn IFCA District (0-6nm), Pot, trap or creel

Good Fish Guide - Brown crab, England (Celtic Sea): Offshore (beyond 6nm), Pot, trap or creel

Good Fish Guide - Brown crab, Wales (Celtic Sea): Welsh waters, Pot, trap or creel

Environmental Notes

• There are risks to marine mammals of entanglement in pot ropes. Management measures are in place to minimize the impact of the fishery on ETP species.
• This species is caught in a mixed fishery for lobster and crab. Non-target species are usually released alive. Management measures including minimum landing sizes and escape panels are in place to reduce bycatch.
• This fishery is unlikely to have a significant impact on the sea bed.

General Notes

• No additional notes.

Environmental Notes

• This fishery is unlikely to have a significant impact on ETP species.
• This species is caught in a mixed fishery for lobster and crab. Pots tend to be selective, with escape panels used to reduce bycatch, and bycatch species can usually be released alive. However, there are some concerns about the source of bait species used.
• This fishery is unlikely to have a significant impact on the sea bed.

General Notes

References
Good Fish Guide - Brown crab, England (Western English Channel): Cornwall IFCA District (0-6nm), Pot, trap or creel

Good Fish Guide - Brown crab, England (Western English Channel): Devon and Severn IFCA District (0-6nm), Pot, trap or creel

Good Fish Guide - Brown crab, England (Western English Channel): Isles of Scilly IFCA District (0-6nm), Pot, trap or creel

Good Fish Guide - Brown crab, England (Western English Channel): Offshore (beyond 6nm), Pot, trap or creel

Good Fish Guide - Brown crab, England (Western English Channel): Southern IFCA District (0-6nm), Pot, trap or creel

Environmental Notes

• This fishery is unlikely to have a significant impact on ETP species but improvements in monitoring of interactions with ETP species are needed to increase certainty around impacts.
• Measures are in place to prevent fishing from hindering the recovery and rebuilding of the main bycatch species.
• This fishery is unlikely to have a significant impact on the sea bed.

General Notes

• This fish plays an important role in the marine food web and so potential impacts on the wider marine ecosystem must be monitored.

References

Bureau Veritas, August 2025, Public Certification Report Cantabrian Sea Purse Seine Anchovy Fishery

Environmental Notes

• Several ETP species of sharks, skates and rays, and marine mammals interact with the fishery. Direct impacts of the fishery on ETP species are not likely to be significant.
• Bycatch is a risk for the fishery. There is a strategy in place for minimising discards and reducing cod bycatch. Technical measures to reduce bycatch are used and efforts are being made to research other measures for reducing bycatch further.
• The impact depends on the gear type. Bottom trawls will directly impact on the sea bed. While the fishery is considered to be highly unlikely to reduce habitats to a point of serious or irreversible harm, evidence specific to the fishery area is not available.

General Notes

References

Control Union, May 2022, Marine Stewardship Council (MSC) Public Certification Report Scottish Fisheries Sustainable Accreditation Group (SFSAG) Northern Demersal Stocks

Environmental Notes

• There are risks to marine mammals, sharks, skates, and seabirds with this fishery. there is a strategy in place to manage fishery impacts and technical measures are in place to reduce the likelihood of interactions with marine mammals.
• Catch of main non-target species is low. 
• This fishery is unlikely to have a significant impact on the sea bed.

General Notes

References

Lloyd’s Register, December 2020, Cornish Hake Gill Net Fishery Public Certification Report

Environmental Notes

•  This fishery is unlikely to have a significant impact on ETP species.
• This species is caught in a mixed fishery for lobster and crab. Pots tend to be selective, with escape panels used to reduce bycatch, and bycatch species can usually be released alive. However, there are some concerns about the source of bait species used.
• This fishery is unlikely to have a significant impact on the sea bed.

General Notes

References

Good Fish Guide - European lobster, England (Southwest): Cornwall IFCA District (0-6nm), Pot, trap or creel

Good Fish Guide - European lobster, England (Southwest): Devon and Severn IFCA District (0-6nm), Pot, trap or creel

Good Fish Guide - European lobster, England (Southwest): Isles of Scilly IFCA District (0-6nm), Pot, trap or creel

Good Fish Guide - European lobster, England (Southwest): Offshore (beyond 6nm), Pot, trap or creel

Environmental Notes

• Available data is still limited, but interactions with ETP species are likely to be low in the purse seine fishery. Commonly reported bycatch in the area includes sharks and rays, sea turtles, marine mammals, and sunfish.
• No more than 3% of the total catch for Moroccan small pelagic fisheries is allowed to comprise bycatch.
• This fishery is unlikely to have a significant impact on the sea bed.

General Notes

• This fishery was covered by the Morocco sardine - pelagic trawl and seine FIP, which is now listed as 'INACTIVE' as it did not meet reporting requirements.
• This fish plays an important role in the marine food web and so potential impacts on the wider marine ecosystem must be monitored.

References

Good Fish Guide - Sardine, Northwest Africa: Zone A and B (Central), Net (pelagic trawl; purse seine)

Environmental Notes

• This fishery is unlikely to have a significant impact on ETP species. Occasional interactions with marine mammals and seabirds have been recorded but they are usually released alive.
• European pilchard comprises more than 90% of the catch.
• This fishery is unlikely to have a significant impact on the sea bed.

General Notes

• This fish plays an important role in the marine food web and so potential impacts on the wider marine ecosystem must be monitored.

References

Control Union, August 2022, Marine Stewardship Council (MSC) Public Certification Report Cornwall Sardine Fishery

Cornwall Good Seafood Guide - Sardine

Environmental Notes

• This fishery is unlikely to cause unacceptable impacts to ETP species.
• There is bycatch for this fishery but management measures are in place to reduce impacts.
• Bottom trawls will directly impact on the sea bed. Management measures include the mapping of vulnerable marine ecosystems and the use of marine protected areas.

General Notes

• No additional notes.

Environmental Notes

• This fishery is unlikely to cause unacceptable impacts to ETP species.
• There is bycatch for this fishery but management measures are in place to reduce impacts.
• Bottom trawls will directly impact on the sea bed. But, the fishery is considered highly unlikely to irreparably reduce habitat structure and function.

General Notes

References

Control Union, October 2019, MSC Public Certification Report - Principle 2 for Joint demersal fisheries in the North Sea and adjacent waters

Environmental Notes

• There are records of the fishery interacting with marine mammals, sharks, skates, and rays, but data indicates that the rate of interactions is low. Overall, this fishery is considered unlikely to have significant impacts on ETP species.
• There is some concern about catches of North Sea cod, but efforts are underway to rebuild the cod stock. Gear measures are in place to reduce bycatch generally.
• This fishery is unlikely to have a significant impact on the sea bed.

General Notes

References

Control Union (UK) Limited, May 2022, Public Certification Report Scottish Fisheries Sustainable Accreditation Group (SFSAG) Northern Demersal Stocks

Environmental Notes

• Seabass require fishmeal and fishoil from marine feed sources in their diet. Concerns about the sustainability of feed inputs are relatively minor though they are not necessarily certified sustainable.
• Escapes are a concern and little is known about the risk of disease transfer to wild species.
• Impacts on water quality are localized and have not been shown to have cumulative impacts beyond the immediate farm site. Chemical inputs are only used for health management and are applied in a controlled manner. Reports indicate responsible use, but there is a lack of data on the quantity of chemical inputs.

General Notes

• The environmental impacts described are addressed to some degree by certification.
• The industry has adopted a zonal approach to farm planning and management.

References:

FishSource - Seabass/seabream, Greece

Good Fish Guide - Seabass, European Union and Turkey, Open net pen, marine

Good Fish Guide - Seabass, European Union and Turkey, Open net pen, marine, Aquaculture Stewardship Council (ASC)

Seafood Watch, July 2020, Gilthead Seabream, European Seabass and Meagre, European Union, Turkey, Egypt

Environmental Notes

• Seabass require fishmeal and fishoil from marine feed sources in their diet. Concerns about the sustainability of feed inputs are relatively minor though they are not necessarily certified sustainable.
• Escapes are a concern and little is known about the risk of disease transfer to wild species.
• Impacts on water quality are localized and have not been shown to have cumulative impacts beyond the immediate farm site. Chemical inputs are only used for health management and are applied in a controlled manner. Reports indicate responsible use, but there is a lack of data on the quantity of chemical inputs.

General Notes

• The environmental impacts described are addressed to some degree by certification.

References

FishSource - seabass/seabream, Turkey

Good Fish Guide - Seabass, European Union and Turkey, Open net pen, marine, Aquaculture Stewardship Council (ASC)

Seafood Watch, European seabass, Worldwide, Aquaculture Stewardship Council Certified

Seafood Watch, July 2020, Gilthead Seabream, European Seabass and Meagre, European Union, Turkey, Egypt

Environmental Notes

• Giant tiger prawns are farmed in intensive and extensive systems that may require supplementary inputs of fishmeal and fish oil from marine feed sources.
• Disease transfer and escapes are not a concern as giant tiger prawns are native to Vietnam, therefore lowering the risk to wild populations. However, the use of wild-caught juveniles to supply or supplement the stock on some farms may present a risk.
• Pollution from nutrients and organic matter, as well as chemical inputs, may affect local water quality. The use of illegal antibiotics is a particular concern.

General Notes

• The environmental impacts described are addressed to some degree by certification.

References

Good Fish Guide - Tiger prawns, Global, Pond, freshwater, Aquaculture Stewardship Council (ASC)

Good Fish Guide - Tiger Prawn, Vietnam, India, Indonesia, Pond, improved extensive, Pond, semi-intensive

Seafood Watch, Giant tiger prawn, Worldwide, Aquaculture Stewardship Council Certified

Seafood Watch, January 2023, Whiteleg Shrimp, Giant Tiger Prawn, Vietnam, Ponds

Environmental Notes

• Impacts vary by gear type. Bycatch of marine mammals occurs in the gillnet and bottom trawl fisheries. Bycatch of seabirds occurs in the longline and gillnet fisheries. Monitoring and some mitigation measures are in place.
• Bycatch is not always reported as required. Bait fish are used in the longline fishery but there is a lack of data on bait use.
• Habitat impacts vary by gear type. Bottom trawls will directly impact on the sea bed, but overall, this fishery is considered unlikely to have an irreversible impact on habitat structure and function.

General Notes

References

Vottunarstofan Tún ehf, September 2019, ISF Iceland Multi-Species Demersal Fishery Public Certification Report

Environmental Notes

• This fishery is unlikely to have a significant impact on ETP species. Interactions with ETP species are recorded in the certified fishery and are infrequent.
• The fishery is unlikely to pose a serious risk to bycatch species.
• Dredges will directly impact on the sea bed. The certified fishery is monitored to help reduce impacts.

General Notes

References

Acoura Marine, July 2018, MSC Public Certification Report for SSMO Shetland inshore brown & velvet crab and scallop fishery

Good Fish Guide - King scallop, Scotland (Shetland): Certified fleets only (0-6 nm), Dredge, Marine Stewardship Council (MSC)

Environmental Notes

• There are significant concerns about the cumulative impacts of the Barents Sea fishery upon the endangered species, golden redfish.  Scientific advice is to reduce the catch to zero tonnes.
• Bycatch in this fishery is considered low. With some exceptions, all commercial species caught must be retained, recorded and landed.
• Bottom trawls will directly impact on the sea bed. Management measures are in place to limit impacts on benthic habitats but concerns about impacts on vulnerable marine ecosystems persist.

General Notes

• No additional notes.

Environmental Notes

• There are significant concerns about the cumulative impacts of the Barents Sea fishery upon the endangered species, golden redfish, but most of the catch is taken by bottom trawls.
• Bycatch in this fishery is considered low. With some exceptions, all commercial species caught must be retained, recorded and landed.
• This fishery is unlikely to have a significant impact on the sea bed. Area closures around vulnerable habitats help to further mitigate any risk of impact but the seabed is not fully mapped.

General Notes

• No additional notes.

Environmental Notes

• There are significant concerns about the cumulative impacts of the Barents Sea fishery upon the endangered species, golden redfish, but most of the catch is taken by bottom trawls.
• Bycatch in this fishery is considered low. With some exceptions, all commercial species caught must be retained, recorded and landed.
• Longlines have very little impact on bottom habitats. Impacts may increase when gear is anchored to the seabed.

General Notes

• No additional notes.

Environmental Notes

• There are significant concerns about the cumulative impacts of the Barents Sea fishery upon the endangered species, golden redfish. Scientific advice is to reduce the catch to zero tonnes.
• Bycatch in this fishery is considered low. With some exceptions, all commercial species caught must be retained, recorded and landed.
• Bottom trawls will directly impact on the sea bed. Management measures are in place to limit impacts on benthic habitats but concerns about impacts on vulnerable marine ecosystems persist.

General Notes

• No additional notes.

Environmental Notes

• Bycatch of sharks and seabirds is the main concern. Management measures are in place to reduce potential impacts. Some seabird bycatch mitigation measures are used in the longline fishery, however, bird-specific measures for bottom trawl gear are lacking. Marine mammals do not interact with this fishery.
• Impacts on bycatch species are likely to be low and measures are in place to reduce bycatch but better data is needed.
• Impacts will vary by gear type. Bottom trawls will directly impact on the sea bed. Measures to protect vulnerable habitats such as cold water coral reefs are in place.

General Notes

• No additional notes.

Environmental Notes

• There are recorded interactions with marine mammals and skates and rays. More data is needed to ensure the fishery is not likely to hinder recovery of thorny skate.
• There is bycatch for this fishery including a variety of fish are caught in small volumes. But management measures are in place to reduce impacts on retained species.
• Bottom trawls will directly impact on the sea bed, but overall, this fishery is considered unlikely to have an irreversible impact on habitat structure and function.

General Notes

• As a mixed fishery, the effects of management measures on other species need to be considered within an ecosystem context.

References

Global Trust Certification Ltd, June 2024, Public Certification Report for the Reassessment of Norway North Sea demersal

Environmental Notes

• There are recorded interactions with marine mammals, sharks, skates and rays, but the rate of interactions is considered unlikely to have significant impacts on most ETP species. However, concerns have been identified for some species including common skate, which has a poor stock status. Mitigation measures include the use of streamers and pingers to reduce the risk of interactions by hook and lines and gillnetters with seabirds and marine mammals respectively. Purse seine and pot gear represent a lower concern to ETP species.
• There is bycatch for this fishery but management measures are in place to reduce impacts on retained species. However, the fishery lacks independent observers for monitoring bycatch.
• Overall, this fishery is considered unlikely to have an irreversible impact on habitat structure and function. There are management measures in place to help protect vulnerable marine ecosystems.

General Notes

• As a mixed fishery, the effects of management measures on other species need to be considered within an ecosystem context.

References

Global Trust Certification Ltd, June 2024, Public Certification Report for the Reassessment of Norway North Sea demersal

Environmental Notes

• Bycatch of ETP species may include marine mammals, skates and rays. Some management measures are in place to mitigate impacts.
• Risks to non-ETP species of bycatch are considered low for most species. Management measures include area closures and gear modifications.
• Bottom trawls will directly impact on the sea bed.

General Notes

• As a mixed fishery, the effects of management measures on other species need to be considered within an ecosystem context.

Environmental Notes

• Bycatch may include ETP species including the vulnerable North Sea cod, and blue and flapper skates. Some management measures are in place to mitigate impacts.
• There is bycatch for this fishery but management measures are in place to reduce bycatch.
• Habitat impacts vary by gear type. Bottom trawls will directly impact on the sea bed. Impacts from demersal seine gear are generally lower, though Scottish seine gear may have an impact due to being towed.

General Notes

References

Good Fish Guide - Haddock, North Sea, West of Scotland, Skagerrak: All areas, Bottom trawl (otter)

Good Fish Guide - Haddock, North Sea, West of Scotland, Skagerrak: All areas, Net (demersal seine)

Environmental Notes

• There are risks to marine mammals with this fishery.
• There is a lack of information on bycatch in this fishery.
• This fishery is unlikely to have a significant impact on the sea bed.

General Notes

• No additional notes.

Environmental Notes

• Interactions may occur with marine mammals with particular concern around impacts on harbor seals. Management measures in place for trawl gears help to mitigate potential impacts.
• Lemon sole is caught as bycatch in a multispecies fishery. Monitoring and reporting requirements are in place.
• Bottom trawls will directly impact on the sea bed but this fishery is unlikely to have a significant impact on the sea bed. Area closures are in place to help protect vulnerable marine habitats.

General Notes

References

Global Trust Certification, September 2024, ISF Iceland Lemon Sole Public Certification Report

Environmental Notes

• No interactions with ETP species have been reported in recent years. Management measures include area closures and electronic reporting.
• Lemon sole is caught as bycatch in a multispecies fishery. Monitoring and reporting requirements are in place.
• Danish seine gear has limited impact on the sea bed.

General Notes

References

Global Trust Certification, September 2024, ISF Iceland Lemon Sole Public Certification Report

Environmental Notes

• There are risks to sharks, rays, and marine mammals in this region.
• This fish is caught as a bycatch species in mixed fisheries. 
• Bottom trawls will directly impact on the sea bed. The area fished is mainly mud and sand which is less vulnerable to trawl gear.

General Notes

References

Good Fish Guide - Lemon sole, North Sea, Skagerrak and Kattegat, English Channel (East), Bottom trawl (otter)

Environmental Notes

• Profile not yet complete.
• This fish is caught as a bycatch species in mixed fisheries.
• Profile not yet complete.

General Notes

• No additional notes.

Environmental Notes

• Interactions with marine mammals, seabirds, and sea turtles have been documented in the fishery but management measures are in place. More information is needed to fully understand the potential impact of the fishery on ETP species.
• There is a risk of bycatch and discards in the longfin squid fishery.
• Bottom trawls will directly impact the sea bed. However, the fishery impacts are considered highly unlikely to cause serious or irreversible harm though more information is needed to confirm that it is highly unlikely to affect all vulnerable marine ecosystems in the fishery area. Area closures are used to minimise habitat impacts from bottom gears.

General Notes

References

SCS Global Services, December 2025, U.S. Northeastern Coast Longfin Inshore Squid and Northern Shortfin Squid Bottom Trawl Fishery
MSC Fishery Assessment Report

Environmental Notes

• There are risks to marine mammals, sharks, skates and seabirds with this fishery, but there is insufficient data available to assess significance.
• This fish is caught as a target species and as bycatch in mixed trawl fisheries. Bycatch is a risk for this fishery, but available information is limited.
• Bottom trawls will directly impact on the seabed. Some area closures are in place to protect vulnerable habitats.

General Notes

References

Good Fish Guide - Black-bellied monkfish, North Sea, Rockall and West of Scotland, Kattegat and Skagerrak, Bottom trawl (otter)

Good Fish Guide - White Monkfish, North Sea, Rockall and West of Scotland, Kattegat and Skagerrak, Bottom trawl (otter)

Environmental Notes

• Interactions have not been recorded with ETP species in the certified fishery. Fishing activity has been mapped against available information on ETP species, with 12 species identified as likely to be encountered and recorded in guides for fishers. Interactions with ETP species must now be reported to the local authority.
• Small amounts of other shellfish and crabs are caught as bycatch.
• Poole Harbor has been assigned several designations including Special Areas of Conservation (SAC) and Special Protection Areas (SPA). The use of seasonal closures is expected to support habitat recovery from fishing activity.

General Notes

References

Control Union, April 2023, Marine Stewardship Council (MSC) Reduced Reassessment Report The Poole Harbour Clam & Cockle Fishery

Environmental Notes

• No adverse interactions with ETP species have been identified and measures are in place to reduce potential impacts on predators such as birds.
• Bycatch is not an issue for mussel culture and wild spat collection occurs naturally.
• Rope mussel farms can impact benthic habitats through the build up of waste and debris under the ropes but no significant concerns were found and management measures are in place to reduce the potential for impacts on vulnerable marine ecosystems. No external feed inputs are used and mussel culture has been show to improve local water quality.

General Notes

• This is an enhanced fishery, which comprises a wild harvest (seed collection) followed by a grow-out phase.

References

Good Fish Guide - Blue mussel, UK and Ireland (Republic of), All areas, Culture, suspension, Aquaculture Stewardship Council (ASC), Marine Stewardship Council (MSC)

LRQA, December 2022, Shetland and Scottish Mainland Rope Grown Mussel Enhanced Fishery Public Certification Report

Environmental Notes

• This fishery is unlikely to have a significant impact on ETP species.
• Bycatch in this fishery is considered low.
• This fishery is unlikely to have a significant impact on the sea bed.

General Notes

• No additional notes.

Environmental Notes

• The only ETP species recorded in the catch are Atlantic wolffish, spotted wolffish and Northern wolffish. Annual catches are low and the shrimp fishery is unlikely to hinder their recovery.
• Bycatch of non-target species is considered low and mitigation measures are in place.
• Bottom trawls will directly impact on the sea bed. But, the fishery is considered highly unlikely to irreparably reduce habitat structure and function. Management measures are in place to limit impacts on vulnerable habitats.

General Notes

• This species plays an important role in the marine food web and so potential impacts on the wider marine ecosystem must be monitored.

References
LRQA, June 2022, Canada Northern and Striped Shrimp MSC Public Certification Report

Environmental Notes

• Bycatch of ETP species is low. This fishery interacts with spotted wolffish and northern wolffish but is not thought to jeopardise survival or recovery of these two species. However, observer coverage is around 5% indicating uncertainty around the total catches of wolffish.
• Bycatch for this fishery is considered low. Measures to minimise bycatch include the mandatory use of the Nordmore sorting grid.
• Bottom trawls will directly impact on the seabed. But management measures are in place and it is thought unlikely that this fishery will cause serious harm to identified sensitive areas.

General Notes

• Certification for this fishery was suspended, effective August 2024.

References
Lloyd's Register, November 2020, Gulf of St Lawrence Northern shrimp trawl Public Certification Report

Environmental Notes

• Management measures are in place to limit catch of redfish, which may include the endangered species, golden redfish. While catches are low in this fishery, there are significant concerns about the cumulative impacts of the Barents Sea fisheries upon the golden redfish.
• Bycatch for this fishery is low due to the use of Nordmøre sorting grids and other management measures.
• Bottom trawls will directly impact on the sea bed, however, this fishery is considered highly unlikely to have an irreversible impact on habitat structure and function. Measures are in place to protect vulnerable marine ecosystems.

General Notes

• This species plays an important role in the marine food web and so potential impacts on the wider marine ecosystem must be monitored.

References

DNV Business Assurance, January 2024, Public Certification Report Re-assessment for Norway North East Arctic cold water prawn

DNV Business Assurance, May 2024, Public Certification Report Re-assessment for Estonia North East Arctic cold water prawn

Environmental Notes

• This fishery is unlikely to impact ETP species. The fishery has reported catching a small number of the ETP bird species Thick-billed murre. Given the small number of interactions (four birds were reported caught between 2020 and 2022), the fishery is not thought to have significant detrimental effects.
• Bycatch for this fishery is low due to the use of Nordmøre sorting grids and other management measures.
• Bottom trawls will directly impact on the sea bed. Measures are in place to protect vulnerable marine ecosystems.

General Notes

• This species plays an important role in the marine food web and so potential impacts on the wider marine ecosystem must be monitored.

References

LRQA, January 2024, Public Certification Report for the West Greenland Coldwater prawn fishery

Environmental Notes

• Sharks, skates, and rays may be caught in this fishery.
• Bycatch is a risk for this fishery. Bycatch of Irish Sea cod and whiting is a particular concern. Mitigation measures, including the use of more selective gears, have been implemented to try to reduce unwanted catch.
• Bottom trawls will directly impact on the sea bed. Although the fishing area overlaps with a marine conservation zone, no management measures are in place to control fishing in the area.

General Notes

• The Project UK FIP was completed in 2024 and a new Nephrops FIP will run from 2025 to 2030.

References

Good Fish Guide - Scampi or langoustine, Irish Sea East (FU 14), Bottom trawl (otter), Fishery Improvement Project: Stage 4

Project UK - Nephrops

Seafish - Nephrops Fishery Improvement Project

Environmental Notes

• Catches of the ETP species spiny dogfish have been reported in this fishery but management measures are in place to limit impacts on sharks, skates and rays.
• Bycatch species are data-deficient and there is a lack of recent information regarding the composition of catches in this fishery. Some management measures are in place, including the use of area closures.
• Bottom trawls will directly impact on the sea bed. However, management measures are in place, including the use of area closures to protect vulnerable habitats.

General Notes

References
Organización Internacional Agropecuaria S.A. (OIA), June 2023, Public Certification Report Patagonian Scallop Bottom Otter Trawl Fishery in Argentine Sea

Environmental Notes

• Prawns are farmed in intensive and extensive systems that may require supplementary inputs of fishmeal and fish oil from marine feed sources. Feed use is greatest in intensive and semi-intensive production. Certification criteria encourage the use of responsibly sourced marine products in feed. But there is little transparency on the ingredients used in feed across the sector.
• Disease transfer between farmed and wild prawns is a concern. Although escapes do occur, giant tiger prawns are native to Indonesia therefore lowering the risk to wild populations although, the use of wild-caught juveniles to supply or supplement the stock on some farms may present a risk. Whiteleg shrimp are not native to Indonesia and there is potential for ecological impacts from escapes but there is no evidence of the species becoming established in the wild.
• Pollution from nutrients and organic matter, as well as chemical inputs, may affect local water quality and cumulative impacts across a region may occur. Effluent discharge management limits may not prevent cumulative impacts and enforcement is negatively impacted by a lack of resources among key agencies. The authorized use of antibiotics important to human health and continued use of illegal antibiotics is a concern.

General Notes

• The environmental impacts described are addressed to some degree by certification.
• Legislation on zonal planning that is relevant to aquaculture does exist. The government has produced a coastal and marine spatial plan that identifies multiple aquaculture zones.

References:

FishSource - Shrimp, Indonesia

Good Fish Guide - King prawn, Asia: Vietnam, India and Indonesia, Pond, semi-intensive and intensive

Good Fish Guide - Tiger prawn, Asia: Vietnam, India, Indonesia, Pond, improved extensive, Pond, semi-intensive

Good Fish Guide - King prawn, Global, Pond, freshwater, Aquaculture Stewardship Council (ASC)

Seafood Watch, May 2025, Giant Tiger Prawn, Whiteleg Shrimp, Indonesia, Ponds

Seafood Watch, Whiteleg shrimp, Worldwide, Aquaculture Stewardship Council Certified Shrimp Standard

Environmental Notes

• While encounters with marine mammals and birds have been documented in this fishery, the impact on ETP species is not thought to be significant.
• There is no risk of bycatch for this fishery. Catches of other salmon species are accounted for in the pink salmon management.
• This fishery is unlikely to have a significant impact on the benthic habitat.

General Notes

References
MRAG Americas, November 2024, MSC 4th Reassessment Report Alaska Salmon Fishery

Environmental Notes

• While encounters with marine mammals and birds have been documented in this fishery, the impact on ETP species is not thought to be significant.
• There is no risk of bycatch for this fishery. Catches of other salmon species are accounted for in the pink salmon management.
• This fishery is unlikely to have a significant impact on the benthic habitat.

General Notes

References
MRAG Americas, November 2024, MSC 4th Reassessment Report Alaska Salmon Fishery

Environmental Notes

• Trout have a high requirement for fish in their diet.
• Escapes are unlikely to have a significant impact on wild trout populations. Producers are permitted to use lethal control on predators.
• Impacts on water quality depend on the farming method used. Production using open net cages and ponds results in the discharge of waste and nutrients directly into the surrounding water.

General Notes

• The environmental impacts described are addressed to some degree by certification.
• The industry follows a zonal approach to aquaculture management with respect to planning, siting, licensing, and operation.

References

FishSource - Salmon, United Kingdom

Good Fish Guide - Rainbow trout, UK, Norway, Turkey, Pond, freshwater, GLOBALG.A.P.

Environmental Notes

• Trout have a high requirement for fish in their diet.
• Escapes are unlikely to have a significant impact on wild trout populations. Producers are permitted to use lethal control on predators.
• Impacts on water quality depend on the farming method used. Production using open net cages and ponds results in the discharge of waste and nutrients directly into the surrounding water.

General Notes

• The industry follows a zonal approach to aquaculture management with respect to planning, siting, licensing, and operation.

Environmental Notes

• Profile not yet complete.

General Notes

• No additional notes.

Environmental Notes

• This fishery is unlikely to impact ETP species.
• Bycatch mainly comprises cod and to a lesser extent, mackerel and haddock. Management measures are in place to reduce bycatch.
• Bottom trawls will directly impact on the sea bed. Protected areas are in place to help protect habitats.

General Notes

• No additional notes.

Environmental Notes

• The main ETP species caught in the trawl fishery include skates and rays. Interactions are limited and impacts are unlikely to be significant.
• Bycatch risks are low. Monitoring is enforced and the trawl fishery has implemented measures to reduce bycatch.
• Bottom trawls can directly impact on the sea bed. But habitats have been mapped and there are management measures in place to protect habitat such as reefs. The saithe fishery has implemented additional measures to minimise habitat damage.

General Notes

• No additional notes.

Environmental Notes

• This fishery is unlikely to have a significant impact on ETP species.
• Bycatch for this fishery is considered low. There is some catch of yellowfin tuna but management measures are in place. The use of live baitfish is monitored and the Maldives has a livebait management plan.
• This fishery is unlikely to have contact with the sea bed.

General Notes

References

Good Fish Guide - Skipjack tuna, Indian Ocean: Certified fleets only, Hook & line (pole & line)

Environmental Notes

• Some species of sea turtles are caught in the fishery but impacts of pole and line and handline gear are considered to be negligible. The pole and line and handline fleet has implemented ETP bycatch mitigation measures in collaboration with the Indonesian Pole & Line and Handline Fisheries Association to reduce sea turtle catch and increase post-release survival.
• Bycatch in this fishery is low due to the use of selective gear. Mitigation measures include training on handling and release of bycatch species.
• This fishery is unlikely to have contact with the sea bed.

General Notes

• The impacts of this fishery on ecosystems is unknown.

Environmental Notes

• While encounters with marine mammals and birds have been documented in this fishery, the impact on ETP species is not thought to be significant.
• Bycatch for this fishery is considered low.
• This fishery is unlikely to have a significant impact on the benthic habitat.

General Notes

References
MRAG Americas, November 2024, MSC 4th Reassessment Report Alaska Salmon Fishery

Environmental Notes

• Vessels targeting wellington flying squid incidentally catch marine mammals, seabirds, and sharks, but the number of interactions with this fishery is low and there is a low risk of fishing impacts. Mitigation methods such as streamer (tori) lines and offal management are used in this fishery.
• The target species comprises nearly three-quarters of the catch. Most bycatch species are regulated through the National Quota System, but there is insufficient information to estimate the current stock status of the main bycatch species, barracouta and warehou.
• Bottom trawls will directly impact on the sea bed. Area closures have been implemented to reduce impacts.

General Notes

• This species plays an important role in the marine food web and so potential impacts on the wider marine ecosystem must be monitored. The New Zealand government monitors marine ecosystem indicators, but the stock status of squid and bycatch species is unknown.

Environmental Notes

• Fishmeal and fish oil from marine feed sources are used but semi-intensive production systems use limited amounts of feed meaning that the feed footprint is low.
• Disease transfer between farmed and wild prawns is a concern but impacts do not appear to be significant. Farms are prone to flooding, which increases the risk of escape events occurring, but escape prevention measures are used. Shrimp farmed in Ecuador are raised from hatchery-raised native broodstock, therefore lowering the risk to wild shrimp populations of competition or genetic interactions.
• The low stocking densities of whiteleg shrimp allow for minimal inputs of chemicals and antibiotics.

General Notes

• The environmental impacts described are addressed to some degree by certification.
• The government has adopted a farm-based approach to aquaculture regulations and licensing.

References:

FishSource - shrimp, Ecuador

Good Fish Guide - King prawn, South America: Ecuador, Honduras, Pond, semi-intensive

Good Fish Guide - King prawn, Global, Pond, freshwater, Aquaculture Stewardship Council (ASC)

Seafood Watch, March 2021, Whiteleg shrimp, Ecuador, Semi-intensive Ponds

Environmental Notes

• The use of wild fish in Honduran shrimp feed inputs is low.
• Disease transfer between farmed and wild prawns is a concern for the region but the low stocking densities used in Honduras help to reduce the risk of outbreaks. Information on escapes from shrimp farms is limited. Whiteleg shrimp are native to Honduras, therefore lowering the environmental risk from escapes, however there is still potential for interbreeding with wild shrimp populations to result in reduced genetic fitness.
• Feed and chemical inputs are limited, thereby reducing the risk of impacts on local water quality. Impacts vary depending on farm practices including the frequency of waste discharge from ponds. Some farms have been found to exceed regulatory limits for waste discharge.

General Notes

• The environmental impacts described are addressed to some degree by certification.

References:

FishSource - shrimp, Honduras

Good Fish Guide - King prawn, South America: Ecuador and Honduras, Pond, semi-intensive

Good Fish Guide - King prawn, Global, Pond, freshwater, Aquaculture Stewardship Council (ASC)

Seafood Watch, July 2015, Farmed Whiteleg Shrimp, Honduras, Ponds

Seafood Watch, Whiteleg shrimp, Worldwide, Aquaculture Stewardship Council Certified Shrimp Standard

Environmental Notes

• The use of wild fish in Honduran shrimp feed inputs is low.
• Disease transfer between farmed and wild prawns is a concern and is exacerbated by the practice of frequent water exchanges. Information on escapes from shrimp farms is limited. Whiteleg shrimp are native to Honduras, therefore lowering the environmental risk from escapes, however there is still potential for interbreeding with wild shrimp populations to result in reduced genetic fitness.
• Pollution from nutrients and organic matter, as well as chemical inputs, may affect local water quality. Impacts on water quality vary depending on farm practices including the frequency of waste discharge from ponds. Some farms have been found to exceed regulatory limits for waste discharge.

General Notes

• The environmental impacts described are addressed to some degree by certification.

References:

FishSource - shrimp, Honduras

Good Fish Guide - King prawn, South America: Ecuador and Honduras, Pond, semi-intensive

Good Fish Guide - King prawn, Global, Global Aquaculture Alliance Best Aquaculture Practices (GAA BAP) 4* certification

Seafood Watch, July 2015, Farmed Whiteleg Shrimp, Honduras, Ponds

Seafood Watch, Whiteleg shrimp, Worldwide, Best Aquaculture Practices (BAP) Certified

Environmental Notes

• Fishmeal and fish oil from marine feed sources are used. Feed use is greatest in intensive and semi-intensive production. Certification criteria encourage the use of responsibly sourced marine products in feed. But there is little transparency on the ingredients used in feed across the sector.
• Disease transfer between farmed and wild prawns is a concern but evidence of transmission occurring is limited. Whiteleg shrimp are not native to Indonesia and there is potential for ecological impacts from escapes but there is no evidence of the species becoming established in the wild.
• Pollution from nutrients and organic matter, as well as chemical inputs, may affect local water quality and cumulative impacts across a region may occur. Effluent discharge management limits may not prevent cumulative impacts and enforcement is negatively impacted by a lack of resources among key agencies. The authorized use of antibiotics important to human health and continued use of illegal antibiotics is a concern.

General Notes

• The environmental impacts described are addressed to some degree by certification.
• Legislation on zonal planning that is relevant to aquaculture does exist. The government has produced a coastal and marine spatial plan that identifies multiple aquaculture zones.

References:

FishSource - Shrimp, Indonesia

Good Fish Guide - King prawn, Asia: Vietnam, India and Indonesia, Pond, semi-intensive and intensive

Good Fish Guide - King prawn, Global, Pond, freshwater, Aquaculture Stewardship Council (ASC)

Seafood Watch, May 2025, Giant Tiger Prawn, Whiteleg Shrimp, Indonesia, Ponds

Seafood Watch, Whiteleg shrimp, Worldwide, Aquaculture Stewardship Council Certified Shrimp Standard

Environmental Notes

• Fishmeal and fish oil from marine feed sources are used. Certification criteria encourage the use of responsibly sourced marine products in feed. But there is little transparency on the ingredients used in feed across the sector.
• Disease transfer between farmed and wild prawns is a concern but infrequent water exchange on whiteleg shrimp farms moderates the risk. Whiteleg shrimp are not native to Thailand and there is potential for ecological impacts from escapes but there is no evidence of the species becoming established in the wild.
• Pollution from nutrients and organic matter, as well as chemical inputs, may affect local water quality. Impacts on water quality vary depending on the frequency of waste discharge from ponds. Antibiotic usage in the Thai industry has declined but there is evidence of the use of antimicrobials important to human health.

General Notes

• The environmental impacts described are addressed to some degree by certification.
• Shrimp farming is restricted to designated shrimp aquaculture zones, however, the cumulative impact of multiple farms does not appear to have been considered.

References:

FishSource - Shrimp, Thailand

Good Fish Guide - King prawn, Global, Pond, freshwater, Aquaculture Stewardship Council (ASC)

Seafood Watch, July 2020, Whiteleg Shrimp, Thailand, Intensive ponds

Seafood Watch, Whiteleg shrimp, Worldwide, Aquaculture Stewardship Council Certified Shrimp Standard

Environmental Notes

• Fishmeal and fishoil from marine feed sources are used. Certification criteria encourage the use of responsibly sourced marine products in feed.
• Disease transfer between farmed and wild prawns is a concern but infrequent water exchange on whiteleg shrimp farms moderates the risk. Whiteleg shrimp are not native to Thailand and there is potential for ecological impacts from escapes.
• Pollution from nutrients and organic matter, as well as chemical inputs, may affect local water quality. Impacts on water quality vary depending on the frequency of waste discharge from ponds.

General Notes

• The environmental impacts described are addressed to some degree by certification.
• Shrimp farming is restricted to designated shrimp aquaculture zones, however, the cumulative impact of multiple farms does not appear to have been considered.

References:

FishSource - Shrimp, Thailand

Good Fish Guide - King prawn, Global, Global Aquaculture Alliance Best Aquaculture Practices (GAA BAP) 4* certification

Seafood Watch, July 2020, Whiteleg Shrimp, Thailand, Intensive ponds

Seafood Watch, Whiteleg shrimp, Worldwide, Best Aquaculture Practices (BAP) Certified

Environmental Notes

• Fishmeal and fish oil from marine feed sources are used. Certification criteria encourage the use of responsibly sourced marine products in feed. But there is little transparency on the ingredients used in feed across the sector.
• Disease transfer between farmed and wild prawns is a concern but infrequent water exchange on whiteleg shrimp farms moderates this risk. Whiteleg shrimp are not native to Vietnam and there is potential for ecological impacts from escape but there is no evidence of the species becoming established in the wild.
• Pollution from nutrients and organic matter, as well as chemical inputs, may affect local water quality. Intensive shrimp farms with higher nutrient inputs produce more waste and are associated with greater concerns around pollution. The use of antimicrobials important to human health and evidence of continued use of illegal antimicrobials is a concern.

General Notes

• The environmental impacts described are addressed to some degree by certification.
• The aquaculture industry is currently managed under a farm-based approach

References:

FishSource - Shrimp, Vietnam

Good Fish Guide - King prawn, Asia: Vietnam, India and Indonesia, Pond, semi-intensive and intensive

Good Fish Guide - King prawn, Global, Pond, freshwater, Aquaculture Stewardship Council (ASC)

Seafood Watch, January 2023, Whiteleg Shrimp, Giant Tiger Prawn, Vietnam, Ponds

Seafood Watch, Whiteleg shrimp, Worldwide, Aquaculture Stewardship Council Certified Shrimp Standard

Environmental Notes

• Fishmeal and fish oil from marine feed sources are used. Certification criteria encourage the use of responsibly sourced marine products in feed. But there is little transparency on the ingredients used in feed across the sector.
• Disease transfer between farmed and wild prawns is a concern but infrequent water exchange on whiteleg shrimp farms moderates this risk. Whiteleg shrimp are not native to Vietnam and there is potential for ecological impacts from escape but there is no evidence of the species becoming established in the wild.
• Pollution from nutrients and organic matter, as well as chemical inputs, may affect local water quality. Intensive shrimp farms with higher nutrient inputs produce more waste and are associated with greater concerns around pollution. The use of antimicrobials important to human health and evidence of continued use of illegal antimicrobials is a concern.

General Notes

• The environmental impacts described are addressed to some degree by certification.
• The aquaculture industry is currently managed under a farm-based approach.

References:

FishSource - Shrimp, Vietnam

Good Fish Guide - King prawn, Global, Global Seafood Alliance Best Aquaculture Practices (GAA BAP) 2-3*

Good Fish Guide - King prawn, Global, Global Aquaculture Alliance Best Aquaculture Practices (GAA BAP) 4* certification

Seafood Watch, January 2023, Whiteleg Shrimp, Giant Tiger Prawn, Vietnam, Ponds

Seafood Watch, Whiteleg shrimp, Worldwide, Best Aquaculture Practices (BAP) Certified

Environmental Notes

• This fishery is unlikely to have a significant impact on ETP species. Rates of interactions with ETP species are low and there is 100% observer coverage.
• Bycatch of seabirds occurs in this fishery but is considered low. Management measures in place include gear limitations and 100% observer coverage.
• Bottom trawls will directly impact on the sea bed. Areas with vulnerable marine ecosystems are closed to trawling and gear modifications have been implemented to limit habitat impacts.

General Notes

References

Environmental Notes

• There are risks to sharks, sea turtles, sharks and rays, and marine mammals with this fishery. Circle hooks are used to mitigate catch of sharks and sea turtles. Interactions with marine mammals are rare for this fishery but observer coverage is low.
• The main bycatch species in this fishery is blue marlin, for which some management measures are in place. The relatively low quantities of Indian oil sardine and Japanese pilchard used as baitfish in this fishery suggest that the fishery is unlikely to impact on the fish stocks.
• This fishery is unlikely to have a significant impact on the sea bed.

General Notes

References

Control Union UK Ltd, August 2020, Public Certification Report, SZLC, CSFC & FZLC Cook Islands EEZ albacore, yellowfin and bigeye longline fishery

Good Fish Guide - Yellowfin tuna, Western and Central Pacific, Hook & line (longline), Marine Stewardship Council

Environmental Notes

• There are risks to sea turtles, sharks and rays, and sea birds with this fishery. Data on interactions is limited but there is increased monitoring underway in certified fleets.
• The main bycatch species in this fishery include billfish and other tuna species. Although the main bycatch stocks are not overfished they are in decline and at risk of overfishing.
• This fishery is unlikely to have a significant impact on the sea bed.

General Notes

References

Control Union, June 2020, MSC Public Certification Report for Pan Pacific yellowfin, bigeye and albacore tuna longline fishery

Control Union, May 2023, MSC Public Certification Report for DFC/HEC Western and Central Pacific longline bigeye, yellowfin and albacore tuna fishery

Good Fish Guide - Yellowfin tuna, Western and Central Pacific, Hook & line (longline), Marine Stewardship Council