The MSC released a summary report from the 60-day public review of the draft Standard, as well as revisions to the Evidence Requirements proposals. We are very concerned about the contents of this revised proposal, the release of which came as a surprise to many engaged stakeholders. This new proposal risks further weakening the Standard as it increases opportunity for CAB discretion and has decreased minimum coverage levels considerably. This new proposal risks further weakening the Standard and is indeed a step backwards.
Read all changes to the revised toolbox which;
- No longer requires minimum coverage levels of independent observation except for the High Seas, which now requires 30% minimum coverage as these are considered to be high-risk fisheries.
- In their view, this introduces a risk-based approach however thereby completely ignores that there are many other risk factors and that 30% certainly does not adequately address the need for independent verification of compliance and ensure adequate data for scoring of high-risk fisheries.
- The changes contain some improved definitions but overall give even more room for interpretation by CABs, not less as we have been calling for. As even the 30% coverage for High Seas fisheries can be revised by the CABs.
It is disappointing to see such changes, and we certainly hope that the final contents of the Standard will in fact strengthen the requirements for MSC certified fisheries.
