Best Certifications for Sustainable Seafood & Fisheries
Seafood certifications help consumers, retailers, and food service operators verify that fish and shellfish are sourced sustainably. From wild-capture fisheries to aquaculture farms, these programs protect ocean ecosystems, ensure responsible fishing practices, and support the livelihoods of fishing communities.

MSC Certified
Marine Stewardship Council
The leading certification for sustainable wild-capture fisheries. MSC verifies that seafood comes from well-managed fisheries that maintain healthy fish stocks and minimize environmental impact.

Aquaculture Stewardship Council
Aquaculture Stewardship Council
The leading standard for responsible aquaculture. ASC certifies farms that minimize environmental impact, ensure fish welfare, and maintain fair working conditions for employees.

Best Aquaculture Practices
Global Aquaculture Alliance
The Global Aquaculture Alliance's certification covering the entire farmed seafood supply chain — from feed mills and hatcheries to farms and processing plants. The most comprehensive aquaculture standard.

Ocean Wise
Vancouver Aquarium
A science-based recommendation program helping consumers and businesses choose sustainable seafood. Ocean Wise partners with restaurants, retailers, and suppliers across North America.

Dolphin Safe / Dolphin Friendly
Earth Island Institute
Certifies that tuna is caught without harming dolphins. The Dolphin Safe label is one of the most recognized seafood sustainability marks among consumers worldwide.
Capture Fisheries Standard
Fairtrade Certified
Fairtrade's certification for small-scale fisheries, ensuring fair prices, safe working conditions, and sustainable fishing practices. Focuses on the social and economic wellbeing of fishing communities.

Seafood Safe
Seafood Safe
Certifies seafood safety and quality management systems. Seafood Safe verifies that processors, distributors, and retailers meet rigorous food safety and traceability standards.

Salmon-Safe
Salmon-Safe Inc.
Certifies farms, vineyards, and developments that protect Pacific salmon habitat. Salmon-Safe evaluates water use, erosion control, and pesticide management to safeguard watershed health.

Clean Marine Green Leaf Eco-Rating Program
Ontario Marine Operators Association
Canada's sustainability certification for marinas and boatyards. Clean Marine evaluates water quality protection, waste management, energy efficiency, and habitat conservation in marine facilities.
How we rank these certifications
Rankings are based on global market adoption, third-party recognition by standards bodies, number of certified projects or holders, geographic availability, and rigor of assessment requirements. Data is sourced from each program's official registry and our database of 748+ certification programs.
More Curated Lists
Best Green Certifications for Commercial Buildings
10 programs · Updated Mar 2026
Best Green Certifications for Residential Buildings
10 programs · Updated Mar 2026
Best Environmental Certifications for Products
12 programs · Updated Mar 2026
Best Sustainability Certifications for Career Professionals
10 programs · Updated Mar 2026
Best ESG & Sustainability Certifications for Companies & Businesses
10 programs · Updated Jul 2026
Best Energy Efficiency Certifications for Buildings
11 programs · Updated Mar 2026
Best Energy Efficiency Certifications for Products
10 programs · Updated Mar 2026
Best Health & Wellness Certifications for Buildings
10 programs · Updated Mar 2026
Best Sustainability Certifications for Food & Agriculture
12 programs · Updated Mar 2026
Best Carbon & Climate Certifications for Organizations & Products
11 programs · Updated Aug 2026
Best Sustainability Certifications for Hotels & Tourism
10 programs · Updated Mar 2026
Best Equity & Social Impact Certifications for Organizations
10 programs · Updated Mar 2026