February 21, 2013 — Eco-labeling schemes like MSC’s add additional layers of bureaucracy on retailers, farmers and fishermen while passing on costs to consumers. These programs also ignore the fact that fishermen already participate in taxpayer-funded government management regimes ensuring the long-term health of fisheries.
So seafood lovers buying MSC-certified fish pay twice – once to government in the form of income taxes and again at the checkout counter where, hidden in the price, are fees paid to “green” certifiers and logo licensing agencies like MSC. This explains why “certified” swordfish can cost $18.99 a pound instead of $15.00. Another fisherman in the very same fishery, working under the exact same management regime, can sell his fish for less two doors over. His fish is every bit as good and, when you buy it, you’re not supporting Big Green.
Layers of Green
After years of “green” campaigners wailing about overfishing the oceans, it was inevitable that some “green” corporation would step forward and offer to certify product as sustainable. For a fee, of course. Eco-labeling or eco-extortion? Or just another tax-free way to shelter profits?
NPR’s report revealed the size and scope of the MSC program:
MSC says its system has certified more than $3 billion worth of seafood, representing at least 8 percent of the world’s annual seafood catch.
But MSC own financial reports reveal it closed 2012 with 275 fisheries in its program, representing 10 million tons of seafood, fully 11% of the annual global catch:
Total group income in 2011/12 was £15 million [US$23M] compared to £12.8 million [US$20M] in the previous year, a 17.6% increase. For the first time, incoming resources from charitable activities (that is, logo licensing revenue) exceed the contributions from foundations and trusts in the USA, Europe and UK. The percentage of logo licensing income compared to total income increased to 56% (2010/11 49%).