Controversies
Controversies tied to this brand in public sources. A listing is not a finding of fault.
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2021
Seaspiracy criticism
The documentary Seaspiracy portrayed the MSC as providing consumers with an overly reassuring sustainability signal and criticized its relationships with the fishing sector and certification process.
2016
Conflict-of-interest allegations over royalty funding
A leaked WWF draft document renewed criticism that the MSC’s receipt of ecolabel royalties could influence its certification requirements or growth strategy. The MSC denied that the allegations demonstrated a conflict, and WWF characterized the document as an improperly distributed draft.
2010
Antarctic krill certification controversy
Environmental groups objected that the evidence concerning the fishery’s broader ecosystem effects was incomplete. The fishery committed to further scientific research and full observer coverage, while some retailers reconsidered krill products.
2009
Ross Sea Antarctic toothfish certification controversy
Critics argued that the scientific basis for certifying the Ross Sea toothfish fishery was uncertain and that unfavorable information had not been adequately reflected. An independent adjudicator returned the recommendation for reconsideration; certification later proceeded with revised scoring and additional research requirements.