New Leadership to Advance Sustainable Seafood and Marine Conservation in the U.S.

Appointment of Laura McDearis as Program Director for MSC U.S.

The Marine Stewardship Council (MSC) has appointed Laura McDearis as the new Program Director for its United States operations. This leadership change occurs as the nation confronts increased consumer demand for sustainable products and growing pressure to protect marine ecosystems, aligning with global sustainability efforts. In her new capacity, Ms. McDearis will guide the MSC’s U.S. program, providing support to fisheries and commercial partners to meet the standards for certified sustainable seafood.

Aligning with the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

The appointment and the ongoing work of the MSC are critically linked to the achievement of several United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The organization’s strategy directly addresses global challenges related to ocean health, food security, and responsible economic practices.

SDG 14: Life Below Water

The core mission of the MSC is to conserve and sustainably use the oceans, seas, and marine resources, which is the central objective of SDG 14. By setting a standard for sustainable fishing and certifying fisheries that meet it, the MSC actively works to end overfishing and restore fish stocks. The U.S. program’s impact is significant:

• The United States is the largest global supplier of MSC certified sustainable seafood.
• Approximately 85% of all U.S. fisheries, covering 61 unique species, are MSC certified.
• Globally, 19.3% of the world’s wild marine catch is engaged in the MSC program.

SDG 2: Zero Hunger

Sustainable fisheries are essential for achieving food security and improved nutrition. With global seafood demand projected to double by 2050, ensuring the long-term viability of fish populations is critical to providing a vital source of protein for a growing world population. The MSC’s work supports the resilience of the seafood supply chain, contributing directly to the goals of SDG 2.

SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production

The MSC promotes sustainable consumption and production patterns through its certification and eco-labeling program. The MSC blue fish label serves as a clear indicator for consumers, empowering them to make informed and responsible purchasing decisions. This directly supports the objectives of SDG 12.

• Over 1,380 unique products in the U.S. carry the MSC blue fish label.
• Consumer recognition of the label has reached one-third of American seafood consumers.
• Trust in the label is high, with 73% of consumers expressing confidence in its credibility.

SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals

Achieving sustainability in a complex global industry requires robust collaboration. The MSC framework is built on partnerships between diverse stakeholders, including fisheries, seafood companies, scientists, conservation groups, and consumers. Ms. McDearis’s role will focus on strengthening these collaborations to advance the shared goal of healthy oceans and a sustainable seafood market, embodying the spirit of SDG 17.

Profile of the New Program Director

Professional Experience and Background

Laura McDearis brings nearly 15 years of comprehensive experience in sustainable fisheries to her new leadership position. Her background demonstrates a deep, multi-faceted understanding of the seafood industry.

1. Since joining the MSC in 2017, she has led corporate partnerships and commitments to certified sustainable seafood across the U.S.
2. Previous experience includes work for a sportfishing lodge in Alaska and serving as an observer in the Alaska snow crab fishery.
3. She has served as a fisheries management consultant for the Ecuadorian spiny lobster fishery.
4. She is the co-founder of a sustainable seafood company based in California.

Vision and Strategic Priorities

Ms. McDearis has expressed her commitment to working closely with fishery and commercial partners to enhance the accessibility and recognition of certified sustainable seafood. Her stated objective is to ensure that wild seafood remains a vital, healthy, and environmentally sustainable resource for future generations, a vision that directly supports the long-term aims of the Sustainable Development Goals.

Conclusion: The Future of Sustainable Seafood in the U.S.

The appointment of Laura McDearis comes at a critical time, as climate change and overfishing pose significant threats to marine biodiversity and food security. Under her leadership, the MSC U.S. program is positioned to strengthen its role in promoting rigorous, science-based standards and driving meaningful, long-term sustainability improvements. This work is integral to building a resilient seafood industry and contributing to the successful implementation of the UN Sustainable Development Goals.

1. Which SDGs are addressed or connected to the issues highlighted in the article?

• SDG 14: Life Below Water

  This goal is central to the article, which focuses on the Marine Stewardship Council’s (MSC) mission. The text repeatedly mentions the need to “safeguard marine ecosystems,” ensure “healthy oceans for future generations,” and address the global imperative of “ending overfishing.” The entire purpose of the MSC certification is to promote sustainable fishing practices that protect marine life and habitats.

• SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production

  The article directly connects sustainable practices with market dynamics. It highlights the “rising consumer demand for sustainable seafood” and the role of the “MSC blue fish label” in helping consumers make informed choices. This addresses the need for sustainable production patterns and providing consumers with the information necessary to support them, as mentioned in the article’s discussion of growing “consumer recognition” and trust in the ecolabel.

• SDG 2: Zero Hunger

  The article links sustainable fisheries to global food supplies by stating that “ensuring fisheries are managed sustainably is critical to food security.” With the global seafood demand “projected to double by 2050,” the MSC’s work in ensuring the long-term viability of fish stocks is presented as a crucial component of maintaining “seafood supplies for the future” and feeding a growing population.

2. What specific targets under those SDGs can be identified based on the article’s content?

SDG 14: Life Below Water

1. Target 14.4: By 2020, effectively regulate harvesting and end overfishing, illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing and destructive fishing practices and implement science-based management plans, in order to restore fish stocks in the shortest time feasible.

   The article’s core theme is the MSC’s work to certify “sustainable wild-caught seafood” and its dedication to “ending overfishing.” The certification program itself is a mechanism to regulate harvesting and implement science-based management, directly aligning with this target.

2. Target 14.2: By 2020, sustainably manage and protect marine and coastal ecosystems to avoid significant adverse impacts, including by strengthening their resilience, and take action for their restoration in order to achieve healthy and productive oceans.

   This target is addressed through the MSC’s mission to “safeguard marine ecosystems” and ensure “healthy oceans for future generations.” The certification’s “rigorous standards” are designed to ensure that fishing practices are environmentally sustainable and do not cause significant adverse impacts on the marine environment.

SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production

1. Target 12.8: By 2030, ensure that people everywhere have the relevant information and awareness for sustainable development and lifestyles in harmony with nature.

   The article emphasizes the role of the “MSC blue fish label” as a tool for consumer education. It notes that “consumer recognition is also growing” and that the label helps consumers “identify products from fisheries that are independently certified as sustainable.” This directly supports the goal of providing people with information for sustainable lifestyles.

2. Target 12.2: By 2030, achieve the sustainable management and efficient use of natural resources.

   The MSC’s entire certification program is an effort to achieve this target for marine resources. The article states that the MSC works to “demonstrate sustainable fishing practices” and that “19.3% of the world’s wild marine catch is engaged in the MSC program,” showing a tangible effort towards the sustainable management of a key natural resource.

SDG 2: Zero Hunger

1. Target 2.1: By 2030, end hunger and ensure access by all people… to safe, nutritious and sufficient food all year round.

   The article connects sustainable fishing to this target by framing it as “critical to food security.” By working to prevent the collapse of fish stocks from overfishing, the MSC’s efforts help “ensure seafood supplies for the future,” which is essential for providing a sufficient and nutritious food source for a global population with a rapidly growing demand for seafood.

3. Are there any indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets?

Indicators for SDG 14 Targets

• For Target 14.4 (End overfishing): The article provides a direct indicator of progress by stating that “19.3% of the world’s wild marine catch is engaged in the MSC program.” This serves as a proxy for Indicator 14.4.1 (Proportion of fish stocks within biologically sustainable levels). A regional indicator is also provided: “approximately 85% of all U.S. fisheries are MSC certified.”

Indicators for SDG 12 Targets

• For Target 12.8 (Sustainable development awareness): The article offers specific quantitative indicators of consumer awareness. It states that “one third of American seafood consumers recognize the MSC ecolabel” and that “73% have high trust in the label.”
• For Target 12.2 (Sustainable management of natural resources): The article implies progress through several metrics. The statistic that “19.3% of the world’s wild marine catch is engaged in the MSC program” measures the portion of this natural resource under a sustainable management framework. Furthermore, the availability of “over 1,380 unique products available at retailers across the U.S.” with the MSC label indicates the scale of sustainable production and consumption.

Indicators for SDG 2 Targets

• For Target 2.1 (End hunger/food security): The article does not provide a direct indicator for measuring progress on food security itself. However, it implies that the indicators for SDG 14.4 (the proportion of global catch that is sustainably managed) are prerequisite indicators. The long-term sustainability of fish stocks, measured by the success of programs like the MSC, is essential to ensuring seafood remains a viable food source to meet the projected doubling of demand by 2050.

4. Create a table with three columns titled ‘SDGs, Targets and Indicators’ to present the findings from analyzing the article.

Source: perishablenews.com