In today’s sustainability-driven world, certifications like the Marine Stewardship Council (MSC) and Aquaculture Stewardship Council (ASC) are far more than just labels—they represent the highest standards in sustainable and ethical seafood sourcing. These certifications safeguard marine resources and ensure the global seafood supply chain operates with integrity. For industries such as cruise lines, adhering to these certifications is essential to meeting ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) goals and protecting our planet’s future.
MSC and ASC: What They Mean for Sustainability
Marine Stewardship Council (MSC)
Founded in 1997, the MSC certification ensures that wild-caught seafood is sustainably sourced and that fisheries are managed to protect the ocean’s health. Recognized globally by its blue label, MSC-certified products guarantee minimal environmental impact.

Aquaculture Stewardship Council (ASC)
Since 2010, the ASC has been the standard for responsibly farmed seafood. This certification emphasizes water quality, biodiversity protection, and fair labor practices. Products carrying the green ASC label demonstrate compliance with these high standards, ensuring both ethical and environmentally friendly practices

Why MSC and ASC Certifications Matter
For businesses and consumers alike, these certifications deliver invaluable benefits:
- Sustainability Commitments: Certified seafood ensures responsible fishing and farming, protecting marine ecosystems and supporting long-term biodiversity.
- Customer Confidence: Certifications like MSC and ASC demonstrate a company’s transparency and commitment to ethical sourcing, meeting growing consumer demands.
- ESG Alignment: Companies adhering to MSC and ASC standards strengthen their sustainability metrics, providing measurable benchmarks for ESG reporting.
The Vital Role of Chain of Custody Certification
Certification integrity depends on maintaining the Chain of Custody across the supply chain. Without it, certifications lose credibility, and sustainability claims become unverifiable. The Chain of Custody guarantees traceability from fisheries and farms to consumers, ensuring products are genuinely MSC or ASC certified.
Key benefits of Chain of Custody certification include:
- Fraud Prevention: Prevents mislabeling and counterfeit sustainability claims.
- Sustainability Credit: Allows companies to claim valid sustainability metrics and meet ESG goals.
- Building Trust: Reinforces trust between suppliers, businesses, and consumers.
True Grade: A Leader in Sustainable Seafood
Since 2019, True Grade has upheld the MSC and ASC Chain of Custody certification, ensuring every product we source meets the highest standards of sustainability and transparency. By partnering with True Grade, clients receive verified, responsibly sourced seafood that aligns with global sustainability goals.
We ensure full traceability across the supply chain, protecting our partners and their customers while fostering trust and reliability in the marketplace.
If you’re looking to strengthen your sustainability initiatives, True Grade is here to help. Together, we can drive meaningful change, safeguard marine ecosystems, and build a transparent, trustworthy seafood supply chain. Contact us today to learn how we can support your goals.