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.

9 programs ranked·
1
MSC Certified certification logo by Marine Stewardship Council

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.

For Products
From $0View MSC Certified
2
Aquaculture Stewardship Council certification logo by Aquaculture Stewardship Council

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.

3
Best Aquaculture Practices certification logo by Global Aquaculture Alliance

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.

4
Ocean Wise certification logo by Vancouver Aquarium

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.

For Products
View Ocean Wise
5
Dolphin Safe / Dolphin Friendly certification logo by Earth Island Institute

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.

6
Capture Fisheries Standard certification logo by Fairtrade Certified

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.

For Organizations
From $15,000View Capture Fisheries Standard
7
Seafood Safe certification logo by Seafood Safe

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.

For Products
View Seafood Safe
8
Salmon-Safe certification logo by Salmon-Safe Inc.

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.

For Buildings
View Salmon-Safe
9
Clean Marine Green Leaf Eco-Rating Program certification logo by Ontario Marine Operators Association

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.