The Alaska salmon industry is not alone in its discomfort with the Marine Stewardship Council (MSC). Even those countries and fisheries that are supportive of the program are looking at a Plan B.

Canada, one of the world's largest wild fish producers, may soon follow with their own FAO-based certification standards, and more may be waiting in the wings.

Patrick McGuiness, President of the Fisheries Council of Canada (FCC), told me that his group, with support from the Canadian government, is exploring the creation of FAO-compliant standards for its fisheries, together with certification group Global Trust.

 
McGuiness noted that Canada’s 25 MSC-certified fisheries is the most of any country, but only accounts for around 38 percent of the total volume of the country’s catch.

“We