The Association for Professional Observers sent a letter to the MSC and their governance team to highlight several concerns around the ‘glaring omission of protections afforded to the baseline data collectors for your certification programs – the fisheries observers’ and the fact that MSC vessels are amongst those that have seen deaths of on board observers. The association is calling for the MSC to require true transparency in MSC-certified observer programs, and to take further steps to investigate violations when they are reported. Also of great concern is that observers have reported ‘attempts at bribery, harassment, and interference in relation to their refusal to sign off on MSC certification standards’.
Our thoughts: Throughout this Fishery Standard Review (FSR) we have been disappointed in the proposals presented to stakeholders which do not go far enough to ensure appropriate levels of independent observation of MSC-certified vessels, and do not address our concerns around the level of discretion given to certifying bodies (CABs). Evidence requirements are often left to the CAB to decide what data to use, and coverage levels fall short of our recommendations. Not only are such requirements key for ensuring that consumers can trust that the sustainability claims on their seafood are accurate, but also for the safety of those working on board to collect the vital data used to assess a fishery for certification.
