State of Sustainability Initiatives Review: standards and the blue economy
This report examines market and performance trends of the nine most prevalent seafood certification schemes, including the Marine Stewardship Council, GLOBAL G.A.P. and Friend of the Sea. The report finds that in 2015 demand from big retailers and restaurant chains pushed suppliers to certify a catch valued at $11.5 billion USD. Sustainable seafood now accounts for 14 per cent of global production, a dramatic rise from just 0.5 per cent in 2005. However, the majority of certified seafood does not offer comprehensive protection of worker’s rights. The authors call for targeted investment in developing country certification in order to facilitate transformative change on a global scale.