MSC's 'Blue Tick' Scheme Accused of Masking Widespread Labour Abuses in Sustainable Seafood

The Marine Stewardship Council (MSC), a leading certifier of sustainable seafood, has been accused of masking widespread labour abuses through its 'blue tick' scheme. A recent study found that one in five vessels where crew reported abuses to the International Transport Workers' Federation (ITF) were certified by the MSC.

The study identified 80 cases of labour abuses onboard 72 vessels in 25 MSC-certified fisheries across the globe. These abuses included forced labour, human trafficking, and forced criminalisation, as well as unpaid or delayed wages, excessive hours, violence, harassment, and denial of medical care.

The MSC has long claimed that it is an environmental organisation with no social assurance mandate nor labour assessment capacity. However, Chris Williams, ITF fisheries co-ordinator, said that this risks masking abuses and leading people to buy products that aren't necessarily what they think they are.

Dr. Jessica Sparks, co-author of the report, added that the MSC's policies and practices may obscure labour abuses in seafood supply chains by undermining enforcement efforts and reducing scrutiny. The study's findings have sparked concerns that the MSC's 'blue tick' scheme may be creating an 'illusion' of ethical sourcing.

The International Labour Organization estimated in 2022 that about 128,000 workers were trapped in forced labour on fishing vessels globally. The MSC has engaged in evolving efforts to support the elimination of forced and child labour in supply chains, but critics argue that more needs to be done.