Driven by science.
Certified Sustainable.
The BC Trawl Groundfish fishery is committed to independent, third-party, science based programs that verify sustainability. We work hard to ensure that our fishery meets the highest standards and we are recognized by leading third-party programs such as the Marine Stewardship Council, Ocean Wise, and Seafood Watch. These certifications reflect our commitment to science, responsible fishing, and dedication to protecting the marine ecosystem. Our fishery continues to lead with transparency and accountability.
Fishery Assessment Principles:
Sustainable Fish Stocks
Fishing must be at a level that ensures fish populations can remain productive and healthy over the long term.
Minimizing Environmental Impact
Fishing operations must be managed in a way that maintains the structure, productivity, function, and diversity of the ecosystem. This includes protecting habitat and non-target species like marine mammals, seabirds, and other fish.
Effective Fisheries Management
Fisheries must comply with relevant laws and be managed through a robust, responsive, and adaptive system that can respond to changing environmental and scientific conditions. This includes monitoring, enforcement, and stakeholder engagement.
Marine Stewardship Council
The Marine Stewardship Council (MSC) is a global, non-profit organization that sets the world’s leading standard for sustainable fishing. Its certification program is science-based, transparent, and independent, ensuring that certified fisheries operate in ways that protect marine ecosystems, maintain healthy fish stocks, and support long-term environmental and economic sustainability. MSC assesses fisheries based on three core principles to determine if they meet the standard for sustainability.
Fisheries must meet strict performance indicators under each principle to earn or maintain MSC certification. Currently, our fishery has various species under review for MSC certification. You can view the full status of the fishery, including certified units, current assessments, and audit findings on the MSC Track a Fishery site.
Harvesting responsibly.
Sustainably Caught. Scientifically Verified.
Our industry proudly adheres to sustainable fishing methods certified by the Marine Stewardship Council (MSC). Through rigorous, science-based assessments, we ensure that our practices protect marine ecosystems and promote long-term fish stocks. Discover our certified species and the ongoing efforts to maintain these standards.
Monterey Bay Aquarium’s Seafood Watch program evaluates BC’s groundfish trawl fishery (including bottom & midwater trawls) against rigorous standards in four key categories: bycatch, management effectiveness, habitat impacts, and stock health.
Their most recent assessment (August 5, 2024) confirms that BC groundfish fisheries, particularly those using mid-water trawl methods, meet sustainability criteria and are rated as Best Choice / Green or Good Alternative / Yellow. The industry is noted for collaborative habitat protection measures, trawl-area closures, and comprehensive monitoring that adhere to Seafood Watch’s benchmarks.
Ocean Wise develops its “Recommended” seafood list using methodologies based on Seafood Watch’s science‑based standards and its own Rapid Assessment Standard (RAPSTA). Fisheries that score above 2.8 out of 5 (for wild-capture methods) with no critical issues earn the Ocean Wise label .
A landmark update recognized that mid‑water trawled rockfish species from BC, including yellowtail, silvergray, canary, and yellowmouth rockfish now qualify as Ocean Wise Recommended. This acknowledgement reflects substantial improvements in gear selectivity and habitat protections.
