The Evidence Requirements Framework is a new method for evaluating the information used to assess a fishery’s sustainability against the MSC Fisheries Standard.
What is the Evidence Requirements Framework?
The Framework is a procedure set out in the in the MSC Fisheries Standard Toolbox and was published alongside the MSC Fisheries Standard Version 3 in October 2022.
It provides assessors with a systematic method to evaluate the accuracy and precision of information available to assess a fishery’s environmental impacts and compliance with monitoring regulations.
It focuses on the evaluation of fisheries' information systems, including how information is collected, reported, handled and analysed.
When should the Evidence Requirements Framework be used?
The Framework is a mandatory tool that must be used in every fishery assessment against Version 3.1 of the Fisheries Standard.
It is primarily used to evaluate the accuracy and precision of information available to assess a fishery’s environmental impacts under Principle 2 of the Standard. It is also used in the evaluation of requirements on shark finning and compliance within Principle 1 and Principle 3, respectively.
Reviewing the Evidence Requirements Framework
An external panel of fisheries assessment experts will begin a review of the Framework in July 2024. This has been launched in response to feedback from our stakeholders, including independent assessors and fishery representatives, that aspects of the framework are complex and difficult to apply during assessments.
Concerns include the ability of fisheries to meet the prescribed data and information requirements, and that management agencies might not have all the required data sets to satisfy the requirements of the new Evidence Requirements Framework.
The review is expected to run for two years and could lead to changes in the level of performance expected for fisheries to meet our Standard.
Public consultations will be held on the proposed changes.
Find out more about the Review
