We have a list of our most frequently asked questions below...

Q: What is TQCSI-MSC?
A: TQCSI-MSC is a division of TQCS International Pty Ltd, a fully accredited third party Certification Body. The company provides independent certification services against International, National and Industry Standards.

Q: What is the MSC?
A: The Marine Stewardship Council (MSC) is a non-profit, non-government, international organisation established by the WWF to promote sustainable fisheries and responsible fishing practices worldwide.

Q: How is MSC funded?
A: The MSC is a totally independent charity, receiving funds from a wide range of supporters. These include charitable foundations, corporate organisations and development agencies. In 2002, 83% of the MSC's funding came from charitable foundations and12% came from corporate organisations.

Q: How is TQCSI - MSC associated with the MSC?
A: TQCSI-MSC is the only accredited certification body based in the southern hemisphere and Asia for the MSC Program.

Q: Why is the MSC Program necessary?
A: Worldwide, 70 percent of commercial marine fish stocks are either fully fished, over-exploited, depleted, or recovering at a slowrate (SOFIA, 2000). When fisheries collapse, or suffer severe cutback, not only is the stability of the marine ecosystem threatened, but local economies also suffer when fish stocks cannot support the fishing industry. Consumers know that when they buy seafood bearing the MSC "Eco-Label" they are supporting the future of fishing.

Q: How can MSC reverse the trend of declining fish stocks?
A: The MSC certification program uses market incentives to influence the way fisheries are managed in favour of high environmental standards. The MSC has three main roles - the first is setting and maintaining a high environmental standard for fisheries; the second is accrediting certifiers to undertake assessments; and lastly the MSC rewards sustainable fisheries with MSC labelled products. The MSC then works to encourage retailers and restauranteurs to purchase the certified products. The MSC label offers consumers real information and power to influence the process through their purchasing decisions. This incentive based programme allows the MSC to encourage responsible fishing practices that will help restore marine stocks to healthy states.

Q: Is there a legal requirement for MSC Certification?
A: The MSC program is completely voluntary and open to all fisheries regardless of size, location, scale, type or intensity. Fisheries and individual companies within a fishery can choose whether or not to participate. Many recognise the benefits - a sustainable fishery provides a long-term source of fish for the industry. The MSC rewards certified good practice without criticising publicly those who do not have MSC certification.

Q: How can consumers recognise certified seafood?
A: Look for the "Eco-Label", the environmental seal of approval, on fresh or packaged seafood and restaurant menus.

Q: What does the MSC "Eco-Label" mean?
A: The MSC "Eco-Label" means the seafood has been certified by an independent certification body and that it has met the MSC Standard for sustainability. Consumers know that by buying seafood with the "Eco-Label", they are supporting healthier oceans and a healthier environment.

Q: What are the benefits of the "Eco-Label" to the Fisheries?
A: The principle benefits to fisheries include evidence and recognition of good fisheries management, improved management of fisheries, preferred supplier status and the potential for improved returns.

Q: What are the benefits of the "Eco-Label" to the Processors, Distributors, Restaurants and Retailers?
A: On-Product Logo use demonstrates a commitment to buy from sustainably managed sources and shows increased confidence in the sustainability of the product. Processors, Distributors, Restaurants and Retailers are using the Logo in the expectation of maintaining or increasing market share and improving stability of supply.

Q: What are the benefits of the "Eco-Label" to Consumers?
A: The MSC "Eco-Label" allows consumers to easily identify the best environmental choice in seafood. Consumers know that by buying products with the "Eco-Label", they are supporting healthier oceans, a healthier environment and the future of the worlds seafood. The label also empowers consumers to influence management of fisheries.

Q: Does the "Eco-Label" indicate premium quality?
A: No. However, the MSC Logo indicates that the fish comes from a sustainable healthy stock and is the best environmental choice seafood.

Q: Are there other related management programs available?
A: Yes. TQCSI also offers certification services for Food Safety (HACCP), Quality & Environmental Management.

Q: What is Chain of Custody Certification?
A: In the Marine Stewardship Council (MSC) Certification program a fishery is assessed to the MSC Standard (the MSC Principles and Criteria for Sustainable Fishing). Use of the MSC logo on fishery products is only permitted where there has been independent verification that the product originated from an MSC certified fishery. A Chain of Custody Certificate provides this verification.

Q: Who should seek Chain of Custody Certification?
A: Anyone wanting to apply the MSC logo to a fish product must first obtain a Chain of Custody Certificate. It is processors, retailors and restaurants who apply for Chain of Custody Certification.

Q: Does the Chain of Custody Certificate entitle the company to use the MSC logo?
A: No. Once a company has received a Chain of Custody Certificate, it must enter into a licence agreement before it is permitted to use the MSC logo.

Q: Can farmed fish qualify for MSC Program certification?
A: The MSC Standard was developed for marine capture fisheries, and is not currently available to aquaculture operations. However, this is currently under discussion and funding to begin the necessary research to incorporate aquaculture is being sought.

Q: Does the Program promote more regulation?
A: No. It offers a reward to healthy fisheries and responsible fishing practices through the use of an "Eco-Label". By taking advantage of this voluntary program, fisheries may be able to have more control of their future destinies.

Q: What happens if an applicant fails to qualify? Is there a permanent mark on their record?
A: The process of certification is kept completely confidential. The independent certification bodies are working very closely with those seeking certification. If certification is not awarded, the areas that need improvement are identified and applicants are invited to re-apply, or submit information that shows the areas in question have been addressed adequately. All discussion of certification is closed to outside parties.

Q: What is the first step toward certification?
A: Contact TQCSI-MSC at marine@tqcsi.com

Q: Does the conservation community support the MSC program?
A: Yes, some of the largest and most influential environmental groups, including World Wildlife Fund, Consumer Choice Council, Natural Resources Defence Council and the National Audubon Society actively support the program.

Q: How does MSC fishery certification impact sport fisherman?
A: The benefits of MSC certification will accrue to sport fisheries as well. There is an increasing level of environmental awareness among sport fisherman who will appreciate having sustainable levels of fish stocks.

Q: How does the MSC program affect fisheries in developing countries?
A: The Program provides an opportunity to ensure sustainable management of fisheries in developing countries. Small-scale fisheries contribute significantly to developing country fisheries. A community based certification methodology has been developed for certifying such small-scale fisheries. Participating in certification by these fisheries will ensure that a resource handed down from generations before would continue to remain sustainable.

In addition, certification of large fisheries in developing countries will encourage distant water fleets and national industrial fishers to minimise exploitation of aquatic resources through the use of sound management practices. This will benefit the industrial sector on the long term and continue to support the livelihoods of the millions of artisanal fishers who depend on the fishery.