Sourcing MSC-certified Canadian seafood: a buyer's guide
For retail and foodservice buyers, the Marine Stewardship Council (MSC) blue label has become one of the clearest signals of sustainable sourcing. But the label only holds value if the seafood behind it is genuinely certified and the paperwork stands up. This guide explains what MSC means for buyers and how to source it from Canada with confidence.
What MSC certification actually certifies
MSC certification has two parts. The fishery standard assesses whether a fishery is sustainable — healthy stocks, low environmental impact and effective management. The chain-of-custody standard then tracks the certified fish through every business that handles it, so the product on your dock can be traced back to a certified fishery. Both matter: a certified fishery without chain of custody cannot legally carry the label through the supply chain.
Which Canadian species are MSC certified
Canada's Northwest Atlantic fisheries include some of the largest MSC-certified stocks in the world. Ocean Choice's certified fisheries include yellowtail flounder (certified since 2010), redfish, snow crab, cold-water shrimp, offshore sea scallop and Greenland halibut. Around 90% of the seafood we sell is MSC certified or covered by a fishery improvement project (FIP) working toward certification.
What to ask your supplier
- Is the specific product MSC certified, or just the company? Certification is per-fishery and per-species.
- Can you provide chain-of-custody documentation for the lot, with the certificate number?
- What is the catch area and method? A credible supplier can name the fishing area and gear.
- Is it FIP or fully certified? Both have value, but they are not the same claim.
Why integration helps
Sourcing from a vertically integrated supplier — one that holds quota, harvests, processes and exports — shortens the chain of custody and reduces the number of handovers where traceability can break down. Fewer links mean cleaner paperwork and faster answers when your auditors ask questions.
Frequently asked questions
Does MSC certification cover the whole company?
No — MSC is certified per fishery and species, and the certified product must travel under chain-of-custody. Always confirm the specific product, not just the supplier, is certified.
What is a fishery improvement project (FIP)?
A FIP is a structured effort to bring a fishery up to MSC standard. It is a credible sustainability claim, but it is not the same as full certification.
Can Ocean Choice supply chain-of-custody documentation?
Yes, for our MSC-certified species we provide the chain-of-custody documentation buyers and auditors require.
Further reading
Source MSC-certified Canadian seafood
Tell us the species and market — we will confirm certification status and documentation.