GSSI’S CONTINUED RECOGNITION OF CERTIFIED SEAFOOD INTERNATIONAL (CSI)

GSSI’s continued recognition of Certified Seafood International (CSI). Previously known as the Responsible Fisheries Management (RFM) programme, Certified Seafood International (CSI) remains aligned with the GSSI Global Benchmark Tool v2.0, demonstrating an ongoing commitment to credible and responsible seafood certification practices based on internationally accepted guidelines.

The CSI programme with the Responsible Fisheries Management Fisheries Standard (Version 2.2) obtained GSSI recognition in June 2023 against Section A (Governance), Section B (Operational Management), and D (Fisheries).

In December 2024, GSSI’s Monitoring of Continued Alignment (MOCA) procedure began. The Independent Experts found that the CSI certification programme, with Certified Seafood International Responsible Fisheries Management Fisheries Standard V 2.2 continues to be in alignment with all GSSI Essential Components. The Benchmark Committee, therefore, recommended continued recognition, a decision approved by the GSSI Steering Board.

GSSI’s Monitoring of Continued Alignment

The GSSI Monitoring of Continued Alignment (MOCA) process is part of GSSI’s oversight mechanism, designed to ensure that recognised schemes continue to meet the requirements of the GSSI Global Benchmark Tool between full re-assessments. MOCA takes place annually and is a key element of maintaining recognition.

The process begins with a self-assessment by the Scheme Owner, reporting any changes in the scheme’s ownership, governance, management systems, or normative documents (such as standards, guidance, or procedures). Based on this report, the Independent Experts (IEs) conduct a targeted Desktop Review to assess whether the scheme remains in alignment with GSSI’s Essential Components.

The IEs focus on two main areas:

Identification of changes in reference documents or scheme ownership/management to evaluate whether any updates affect alignment with the GSSI Benchmark Tool.

Verification of continued implementation, using recent audit reports and supporting documentation to confirm the scheme is functioning as described.

The Independent Experts submit a written recommendation to the Benchmark Committee. The Benchmark Committee reviews the findings and provides its own recommendation. The final decision is made by the GSSI Steering Board, followed by a public announcement.

GSSI’s Global Benchmark Tool

Global Sustainable Seafood Initiative ‘s Global Benchmark Tool provides formal recognition of seafood certification schemes that successfully complete a rigorous and transparent Benchmark Process. The Tool is underpinned by the FAO Code of Conduct for Responsible Fisheries, the FAO Guidelines for Ecolabelling of Fish and Fishery Products from Marine/Inland Capture Fisheries and the FAO Technical Guidelines for Aquaculture Certification. The Global Benchmark Tool aims to minimise the overall environmental impact of how we produce, catch and supply seafood to meet a growing global demand.