This paper discusses the future of the Marine Stewardship Council (MSC), a market-based certification program, in developing countries and exposes the challenges and opportunities for fish producers. The MSC needs to attract the interest of more fishing enterprises from these regions to increase its global presence. Because most fisheries in developing countries cannot meet the MSC standards, or afford the certification process costs, it is suggested that there is a need for developing different levels within the MSC system and additional third-party assessing organizations. MSC certification may mean adoption of improvements in fisheries management and approving fishing regimes in developing countries. However, post-certification benefits may decrease as more fisheries become certified.
MSC certification can be adopted for only a few fisheries in the world. Today, fishing in developing countries is underrepresented; only four fisheries are certified. The low participation of these regions in the MSC program is influenced by four factors: open access, lack of reliable scientific data about fish resources, inability of fishermen to pay the costs incurred during the process, and market features since certified products are traded among developed countries and only certain species. Every fishery has particular objectives, and due to MSC certification, is a voluntary and imperfect mechanism. Only fisheries that can lower processing costs can seek certification. Certification could generate benefits related to a fishery’s objectives. Among the benefits is international recognition and improved image with outside agencies, such as governments and NGOs. In particular, experiences of certification in developing countries suggest empowerment and positive impact on negotiation with government authorities regarding access rights. However, fisheries should analyze the convenience of certification (cost/benefits) and post-certification benefits that might decrease once more fisheries become certified.
Nevertheless, the MSC is an emerging organization and increasing its acceptance requires simple mentation of its program in developing countries. Even though certification represents an option to promote sustainable practices, certified fisheries promotes globalization rather than administrator’s conviction and intent. A limited number of fisheries in developing countries may participate in the current certification framework, but certification cannot be considered as the ultimate solution in many cases.