A novel framework to evaluate the accuracy of information used in MSC fisheries assessments: development challenges and solutions

Effective fisheries management is reliant on the availability of accurate information, which also provides the evidence base for certification against sustainability standards. In this paper we describe the process of developing ambitious new requirements on the evidence needed to demonstrate a fishery’s performance against the Marine Stewardship Council Fisheries Standard. A novel Evidence Requirements Framework was developed to evaluate a fishery’s information system to determine the accuracy of information it produces. This framework ensures that MSC certification is underpinned by accurate information on a fishery’s impacts and its compliance with management regulations. We present three vignettes to describe how we met key policy development challenges with respect to design and consultation: 1) dealing with the variety of fishery information types across a global certification programme; 2) engaging with polarised stakeholders on a complex and divisive topic; and 3) designing a risk-based approach to balance audit efficiency with a fishery’s environmental impact. •The MSC Fisheries Standard includes ambitious requirements on information accuracy•A novel framework was developed to evaluate a fishery’s information systems•An agile approach to stakeholder consultation was used to develop requirements•A risk-based approach is used to balance audit efficiency and environmental impact