Story perspectives

Marine Stewardship Council Faces Criticism Over Labor Abuses

4/17/2026

Summary

Story summary

Critics say the Marine Stewardship Council creates an "illusion" of ethical sourcing with its sustainability certification.
A study found that one in five vessels reporting labor abuses to the International Transport Workers’ Federation were MSC-certified.
Abuses included forced labor and human trafficking, with 80 cases identified across 72 vessels.
MSC acknowledges its limitations in social assurance and emphasizes the need for industry-wide collaboration to address these issues.

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Story summary

Critics say the Marine Stewardship Council creates an "illusion" of ethical sourcing with its sustainability certification.
A study found that one in five vessels reporting labor abuses to the International Transport Workers’ Federation were MSC-certified.
Abuses included forced labor and human trafficking, with 80 cases identified across 72 vessels.
MSC acknowledges its limitations in social assurance and emphasizes the need for industry-wide collaboration to address these issues.