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<p>The Marine Stewardship Council (MSC) label is a voluntary initiative and operates
independently of the Government. Defra has no plans to take forward an assessment
of the accessibility of the MSC label to small-scale fisheries.</p><p> </p><p>Further
to the Government's response to the Environmental Audit Committee's 'Sustainable Seas'
report of 2019, Defra continues to encourage non-governmental organisations and individuals
to participate in the frequent stakeholder consultations that MSC holds. The MSC standard
has evolved positively over time and constructive comments will help ensure this continues
to happen.</p><p> </p><p>The Government is fully committed to sustainable fishing.
Fisheries Management Plans will be a key tool through which we will work with industry
to improve the sustainability and management of our fisheries, making it easier for
the fishing sector then to secure independent accreditation if they wish to do so.
We are actively discussing this issue with stakeholders across the seafood sector
as part of the public consultation on the draft Joint Fisheries Statement.</p>
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