The South African experience with MSC certification: A perspective

•MSC certification of hake has led to enhanced local attention to science and sustainability.•MSC certification teams need to play a more interactive role in the local management advice development process.•Should industry be penalised for government omissions?•Would the sustainability of fisheries globally be better incentivised by a lowering of MSC standards?

Perspectives on the South African experience with Marine Stewardship Council (MSC) certification, specifically that of the valuable hake trawl fishery which is as yet the only MSC certified fishery in Africa, are summarised based on discussions with local scientists and fishing industry members. On the positive side, the greatest benefit has been the resultant enhanced attention given to science. However, the fact that some MSC requirements relate to government rather than industry responsibilities raises the issue of the extent to which government omissions should result in penalties to industry. At a broader level, the question of whether raising or lowering of MSC standards would be in the best interests of promoting and achieving fisheries sustainability globally is discussed.