MSC: Consumers Play Key Role in Maintaining Fishery Sustainability

The global non-profit organisation Marine Stewardship Council (MSC) has stated that consumers have a significant role in maintaining fishery sustainability through their daily choices of seafood products. In a written statement received in Bogor, West Java, on Wednesday, MSC Indonesia Senior Commercial Communications Officer Usmawati Anggita said consumers can drive positive change in the fisheries sector by selecting seafood sourced from responsibly managed operations. The message was delivered to coincide with the commemoration of World Ocean Day 2026, amidst growing public attention to ocean health but still low understanding of sustainable fishery resource management. “Every seafood product has a story behind it. When consumers choose MSC-labelled seafood, they are supporting fisheries that have met stringent sustainability standards to maintain healthy fish stocks, minimise impacts on marine ecosystems, and ensure these resources remain available for future generations,” Anggi said. According to her, the increasing availability of sustainable seafood products in Indonesia indicates that more businesses are responding to consumer demand for more responsible products. “World Ocean Day serves as a reminder that preserving the ocean is not solely the responsibility of those who work at sea. Consumers also have an important role. Through the choices we make every day, we can be part of the solution for maintaining the sustainability of Indonesia’s marine resources,” she stated. These findings align with a global survey initiated by MSC and conducted by independent research institute GlobeScan involving over 31,000 respondents across 23 countries. The survey indicated that some members of the public still hold misconceptions about the ocean and fisheries management. A total of 35 per cent of respondents believed fish populations could never recover from overfishing, while another 26 per cent admitted they were unsure. In contrast, the latest MSC report titled ‘Fishing for the Future’ shows that fish stocks can recover when science-based management is applied consistently. One example is the Iberian sardine fishery managed jointly by Portuguese and Spanish fishers. Through the implementation of an effective management plan, the sardine population in 2025 was recorded as nearly four times larger than a decade earlier. Another example is the Eastern Atlantic bluefin tuna, which was on the brink of collapse at the end of the 20th century. Thanks to management measures and long-term commitment from various countries, the tuna stock has now recovered to its highest level since the 1960s. MSC Chief Executive Rupert Howes said the organisation’s experience collaborating with various fisheries worldwide demonstrates that the recovery of marine resources is still possible. “Our cooperation with fisheries worldwide shows that even though the challenges are immense, recovery is still possible. With science-based management, strong collaboration, and long-term commitment, marine resources can be managed sustainably,” Howes said. As part of the World Ocean Day 2026 campaign, MSC Indonesia is partnering with several entities to raise public awareness of the importance of sustainable seafood, including a Tuna Cutting Show with Ranch Market and a talk show and cooking demonstration with IKEA Food Indonesia. MSC hopes that increasing consumer awareness will encourage more responsible fishing practices, thereby delivering benefits for the environment, coastal communities, and future generations.