The Marine Stewardship Council (MSC) has said the situation in Russia and Ukraine could lead to Russian fisheries losing their certification.

While MSC itself cannot influence the outcome of independent scientific assessment of fisheries nor intervene or withdraw or suspend fishery certificates, economic sanctions could prevent independent certification bodies from engaging in required auditing, assurance and surveillance activities, said MSC CEO Rupert Howes in a statement published late Thursday.

Howes said that while the council is "profoundly shocked and deeply concerned" by Putin's invasion of Ukraine, it has been grappling with what it means for the MSC's work and how best to respond.