MRAG Americas
The Certification Process
Fisheries Certifications
Fishery certifications are undertaken by an independent certifying company (MRAG Americas, Inc.) at the request of a Client. The certification process involves several steps to assess compliance with the MSC’s Principles and Criteria for Sustainable Fishing. The assessment process consists of a preliminary desk study (the Pre-Assessment) to review all existing data on the fishery and identify any barriers to a full assessment. The subsequent full assessment provides a formal and public evaluation of the fishery against the Principles and Criteria. This process distinguishes issues to be resolved in order for the fishery to become certified. The final phase of a successful assessment concludes with the issuance of a certificate identified by a unique registration number and expiration date that specifies which species and, if relevant, which parts of the fishery or fisheries have been approved for certification. In addition, the certificate may specify who is entitled to enter fish or fish products into chains of custody. MRAG Americas will notify the MSC of the issuance of a certificate.
Learn more about our Fisheries in Assessment.
Download Application Packages
Chain of Custody
Chain of Custody is the traceability element of the MSC certification program. If a fishery is assessed to the MSC Standard for Sustainable Fishing, use of the MSC eco-label on seafood products is permitted only where there has been independent verification that the product originated from a certified fishery. An independent certification against the Chain of Custody Standard provides this verification. Chain of Custody audit includes precise documentation to verify traceability. MRAG has a network of chain of custody auditors around the country and the world available on short notice for audits.
For detailed information on the products that they have available, please visit http://www.msc.org/track-a-fishery.
Learn more about our MSC Chain of Custody Clients.
For more information please contact:
Dr. Robert Trumble
Vice President
MRAG Americas, Inc. Southeast Office
10051 5th Street North, Suite 105
St. Petersburg, FL 33702
(727) 563-9070
certification(at)mragamericas.com
