In this episode of the How to Protect the Ocean podcast, host Andrew Lewin dives into the topic of ecolabels in seafood consumption. Picture yourself enjoying a delicious sushi lunch, knowing you've made an eco-conscious choice by selecting certified sustainable seafood. Andrew discusses the importance of following organizations like Seafood Watch and the Marine Stewardship Council to ensure responsible seafood sourcing. However, he also addresses the imperfections of these ecolabels and raises critical questions about their effectiveness and future. Join the conversation as Andrew explores whether these ecolabels can improve or if we need to rethink our reliance on them. Tune in for insights on how to better protect our oceans through informed choices. Link to article: Oceana article: https://oceana.org/press-releases/tuna-vessels-using-forced-labor-under-msc-ecolabel/ Natasha Nakamura article: https://www.nature.com/articles/s44183-024-00074-6 Follow a career in conservation: https://www.conservation-careers.com/online-training/ Use the code SUFB to get 33% off courses and the careers program.   Do you want to join my Ocean Community? Sign Up for Updates on the process: www.speakupforblue.com/oceanapp   Sign up for our Newsletter: http://www.speakupforblue.com/newsletter   Facebook Group: https://bit.ly/3NmYvsI Connect with Speak Up For Blue: Website: https://bit.ly/3fOF3Wf Instagram: https://bit.ly/3rIaJSG TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@speakupforblue Twitter: https://bit.ly/3rHZxpc YouTube: www.speakupforblue.com/youtube The Marine Stewardship Council (MSC) and Its Shortcomings in Tracking Forced Labor in Tuna Fisheries The Marine Stewardship Council (MSC) is an organization that certifies fisheries as sustainable and responsible, providing consumers with an eco-label that signifies adherence to specific environmental and ethical standards. However, recent discussions have highlighted significant shortcomings in the MSC's ability to effectively track forced labor within tuna fisheries. Reliance on Self-Reported Information One of the primary issues with the MSC's certification process is its reliance on self-reported information from trade associations, manufacturers, and distributors. This means that the MSC does not require direct reporting from vessel owners or operators, who are the entities where forced labor is most likely to occur. As noted in a recent podcast episode, researcher Katrina Nakamura, who analyzed data from tuna vessels, found that 74% of MSC-certified sustainable tuna was untraceable to the vessel owners or fishing employers. This lack of traceability raises serious concerns about the integrity of the MSC certification. Lack of Monitoring and Accountability The MSC's standards do not include provisions for monitoring the actual conditions aboard fishing vessels. There are no requirements for fisheries observers or human rights monitors to be present on these vessels, which means that the MSC is not actively verifying the claims made by the self-reporting entities. This creates a significant loophole, allowing vessels associated with human trafficking and forced labor to benefit from the MSC eco-label without any accountability. Katrina Nakamura's research revealed that it was relatively easy for her to identify multiple cases of forced labor on vessels certified by the MSC. She highlighted that if she could find this information quickly, it is hard to believe that the MSC could be unaware of these issues. This suggests a troubling lack of diligence on the part of the MSC in ensuring that its certified fisheries are genuinely free from forced labor practices. Implications for Consumers For consumers, the MSC label is often seen as a guarantee of ethical and sustainable seafood. However, the findings discussed in the podcast indicate that this trust may be misplaced. The MSC has acknowledged concerns about forced labor and human rig