About Pathways Project
MSC Pathways Project
Advancing Sustainability Together
The MSC Pathways Project is a collaborative, pre-competitive partnership dedicated to enhancing the environmental sustainability of Manitoba fisheries funded through MSC’s Ocean Stewardship Fund.
This multi-year initiative will provide a structured framework to help fisheries advance towards the sustainability benchmarks required for MSC certification. By supporting Manitoban fisheries, the project aims to ensure thriving fish populations, protect local economies and cultural traditions, and secure long-term market opportunities.
Objectives & Priorities
- Advance solutions to strengthen on the water sustainability through collaboration across fisheries, Environmental NGOs (ENGOs), governments, and supply chain partners.
- Support advancement of fisheries towards sustainability benchmarks and increase engagement in Fishery Improvement Projects (FIPs), the MSC Improvement Program and full MSC certification.
What is the Pathway to MSC Certification?
Fisheries will begin by undergoing a pre-assessment to evaluate their sustainability performance and identify key areas for improvement. Based on the results, they will develop Action Plans that outline how they intend to close the identified gaps. By entering Fishery Improvement Projects (FIPs), fisheries can demonstrate their commitment to sustainability and engage market interest. Once both the pre-assessments and Action Plans are verified by Conformity Assessment Bodies (CABs), fisheries will be eligible to join the MSC Improvement Program – a structured, five-year pathway toward full MSC certification. This program includes annual verification of progress, and MSC will provide ongoing support to fisheries and management bodies throughout the process.
Who’s Involved?
This project will bring together a diverse range of stakeholders, including:
- Government agencies
- Fisher groups
- NGOs
- Researchers
- Supply chain partners
Stakeholders will work to advance fisheries sustainability through knowledge exchange, financial support, and the implementation of improvements.
