Study Claims MSC Certification Masks Labor Abuses in Seafood Supply Chains
A new study commissioned by the International Transport Workers’ Federation (ITF) accuses the Marine Stewardship Council (MSC) of creating an illusion of ethical sourcing. The research reveals that one in five vessels where crew reported labor abuses to the ITF over the past five years held MSC sustainability certification. Researchers identified 80 cases of abuse across 72 vessels in 25 certified fisheries globally, ranging from Scotland to the Pacific Islands. Allegations include forced labor, human trafficking, unpaid wages, violence, and debt bondage, with ten cases involving serious crimes. While the MSC maintains it is an environmental organization without a social assurance mandate, critics argue its blue tick label obscures these exploitative practices. The study suggests that current MSC policies, which only exclude vessels with successful prosecutions for forced or child labor, are insufficient due to low prosecution rates and narrow legal definitions. Consequently, consumers may be misled into purchasing products they believe are ethically sourced, while systemic labor violations remain unchecked within certified supply chains.
Wire timeline
Study Claims MSC Certification Masks Labor Abuses in Seafood Supply Chains
A new study commissioned by the International Transport Workers’ Federation (ITF) accuses the Marine Stewardship Council (MSC) of creating an illusion of ethical sourcing. The research reveals that one in five vessels where crew reported labor abuses to the ITF over the past five years held MSC sustainability certification. Researchers identified 80 cases of abuse across 72 vessels in 25 certified fisheries globally, ranging from Scotland to the Pacific Islands. Allegations include forced labor, human trafficking, unpaid wages, violence, and debt bondage, with ten cases involving serious crimes. While the MSC maintains it is an environmental organization without a social assurance mandate, critics argue its blue tick label obscures these exploitative practices. The study suggests that current MSC policies, which only exclude vessels with successful prosecutions for forced or child labor, are insufficient due to low prosecution rates and narrow legal definitions. Consequently, consumers may be misled into purchasing products they believe are ethically sourced, while systemic labor violations remain unchecked within certified supply chains.
The Guardian