With 43% of global fish supply coming from farmed sources in 2004, a figure predicted to rise in the future, it is essential that the criteria for producing environmentally responsible, and ecologically sustainable, farmed fish be clearly defined.

The MCS Principles and Criteria build on the MCS position statement on finfish farming and provide more detailed guidance for producers wishing to further demonstrate their commitment to responsible fish farming. It is MCS’s intention to biennially review and update these criteria to reflect ongoing advances, improvements and developments within the industry.

This document is not designed to define or replace production standards for finfish aquaculture. It sets out a number of environmental indicators of importance to MCS, to act as a benchmark for assessing existing production standards, procurement policies and regulations.

Download the full document by clicking here (2.1Mb).