The Risk-Based Framework is used to assess fisheries that have limited data on their environmental impacts.
What is the Risk-Based Framework?
The Risk-Based Framework provides a precautionary method to assess data-limited fisheries against the MSC Fisheries Standard. It is part of the MSC Fisheries Standard Toolbox.
The Framework relies on information collected in collaboration with fishery stakeholders, and any data available from the fishery.
It consists of four tools that can be used to assess different aspects of fishing activity:
- Consequence Analysis uses any available data to assess trends in the target stocks of a fishery.
- Productivity Susceptibility Analysis assesses how likely a stock is to recover when depleted, as well as how likely other species are to interact with fishing gear.
- Consequence Spatial Analysis aims to identify how habitats may be affected by fishing activity.
- Scale Intensity Consequence Analysis aims to identify the impacts the fishery has on the wider ecosystem.
Each of these methods produces an MSC score that can be included in an assessment report or benchmarking tool. The score is used in the same way as a default assessment; a score below 60 means the fishery fails, 60-79 results in a condition, and 80 and over is an unconditional pass.
The framework does not cover the assessment of fisheries management, which is Principle 3 of the Fisheries Standard. A data-limited fishery’s performance against Principle 3 will be assessed and scored the same way as that of any other fishery.
When should the Risk-Based Framework be used?
Conformity Assessment Bodies should use the Risk-Based Framework to assess specific indicators in the MSC Fisheries Standard if a fishery lacks the data needed to be assessed against the default assessment method.
For other indicators where there is enough data, scoring will follow the default assessment method.
If a certification body decides to use the Risk-Based Framework, they must announce this at the beginning of assessment and allow stakeholders to participate in the process.
The Fisheries Standard Toolbox includes guidance on determining when a fishery should be considered ‘data-limited’ and whether the Risk-Based Framework should be used.
Reviewing the Risk-Based Framework
In July 2024, we will begin a review of the Risk-Based Framework. This is part of a wider review, which also includes the Evidence Requirements Framework.
This review follows stakeholder feedback expressing that aspects of our Standard and Toolbox are unclear, overly complex and not delivering the intended outcomes. Find out more about how we are addressing this feedback.
Public consultations will be held on the proposed changes.
Find out more about the Review
