New data released by the Marine Stewardship Council (MSC) shows the U.S. continues to lead the world in environmentally sustainable fishing, with 90 percent of U.S. fisheries by volume now meeting MSC’s global certification standard, according to the organization’s 2025 year-end data.
The MSC, a global nonprofit that works to end overfishing, set criteria designed to ensure healthy fish stocks, minimize harmful impacts on marine ecosystems, and promote effective and responsive fisheries management.
According to MSC, U.S. fisheries achievements in 2025 include 62 species certified, more than 1,300 MSC eco-labeled products available in the U.S. market, and MSC-certified seafood now sold in all 50 states.
“MSC is proud to partner with U.S. fisheries that have a long-standing commitment to sustainability and the protection of our country’s marine resources,” said Laura McDearis, U.S. program director for the MSC.
“As demonstrated by the 90% of U.S. fishery landings by volume that are certified to MSC's rigorous requirements for environmentally sustainable fishing, the leadership and great work of our U.S. partners can't be understated. MSC certification validates U.S. fisheries' dedication to ensuring the long-term health of our ocean and sets an example for countries around the globe to follow,” continued McDearis.
MSC highlighted several additional milestones in 2025, including the completion of long-term research projects in the Alaska salmon fishery conducted in collaboration with the Alaska Department of Fish and Game. The Gulf of Mexico and Atlantic menhaden fisheries were recertified during the year, with support from the National Marine Fisheries Service and the University of Mississippi’s National Science Foundation-supported Science Center for Marine Fisheries.
Several new fisheries entered the MSC program in 2025, including the Atlantic summer flounder and black sea bass trawl fishery, while others- such as Pacific hake and Louisiana blue crab- marked more than a decade of certification against the MSC Standard.
Sustainable wild fisheries are essential to American fishing communities and a resilient, productive ocean. MSC shared that continued commitment by governments, industry, consumers, and political leaders is essential in the face of warming oceans and critical to stay on track to deliver the UN Agenda 2030 goals before the end of the decade, including conserving and sustainably using the oceans, seas, and marine resources for sustainable development.
