What is certified sustainable seafood?

Certification schemes are programmes that aim to increase customer awareness of the environmental impact and sustainability of their seafood purchasing choices. It is a means of communicating to customers that the product is sourced from well-managed capture fisheries or aquaculture production facilities that focus on issues related to the sustainable use of aquatic resources. Certification is the procedure by which a third party gives assurance that a product process or service conforms to specified requirements and should be based on a range of inspection activities and carried out by a competent and recognised certification body.

Understanding Seafood Ratings and Certifications

What are the differences between seafood ratings and seafood certifications?

Seafood ratings offer guidance by assessment organisations on which seafood to purchase, allowing you to identify which seafood products are the most sustainably sourced and produced. These ratings are rigorously assessed, undergo peer review and regular consultations in order to ensure that up to date sustainability information is available for all your seafood choices.  One of the leading sustainable seafood rating programmes – the Marine Conservation Society – gives a rating of between 1 – 5 for seafood products, with 1 being the most sustainably farmed or caught product.

Seafood certification, however, is a voluntary process and involves procedures by which a third party gives assurance that a product process or service conforms to specified requirements and certification standards, and should be based on a range of inspection activities and carried out by a competent and recognised certification body. 

Friend of the Sea has developed a set of standards for certification for fisheries and aquaculture products in order to minimise the negative effects of aquaculture operations, providing a tool for fisheries and the fish farming industry to respect the marine environment, thus preserving natural resources for the future.

Friend of the Sea certified products and services are subject to strict independent audits that verify both environmental and social standards.

1. You fill in the Preliminary Information Form available on line.

2. You receive the contract from Friend of the Sea and an offer from the Certification Body.

3. You sign the contract, choose the Certification Body and agree upon the audit date.

4. The Certification Body carries out the audit and produces the certificate.

5. Friend of the Sea inserts your name and the audit report on its website.

6. Friend of the Sea sends the logo and starts marketing, press and social activities.

Would you like to know if your products have the possibility to be certified?