GSSI’S CONTINUED RECOGNITION OF MEL JAPAN

GSSI’s continued recognition of MEL Japan. The Global Sustainable Seafood Initiative (GSSI) is pleased to announce the continued recognition of the Marine Eco-Label (MEL) Japan programme following the successful completion of the Monitoring of Continued Alignment Process, as outlined in the GSSI Benchmark Procedures.

The Marine Eco-Label Japan Certification Programme’s Aquaculture Management Standard (version 2.0, 2022) and Fisheries Management Standard (version 2.0, 2018) obtained GSSI recognition in June 2023 against Section A (Governance), Section B (Operational Management) and D (Fisheries) of the GSSI Global Benchmark Tool v2.0.

In December 2024, GSSI’s Monitoring of Continued Alignment (MOCA) procedure began which comprises a review of any changes in the Scheme’s ownership, management or the standard itself. The Independent Experts found that the Marine Eco-Label Japan Certification Programme’s Aquaculture Management Standard (version 2.0, 2022) and Fisheries Management Standard (version 2.0, 2018) continue 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

GSSI’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.

About MEL Japan

Marine Eco-Label (MEL) Japan is a standard/certification scheme aimed at supporting seafood producers that are taking proactive measures to manage fishery resources for their sustainable use and the conservation of marine ecosystems, as well as processors and distributors that make positive efforts to procure seafood from such producers; ensuring transparency concerning resource management and handling of seafood in the processing/distribution stages; and helping all fisheries-related businesses to gain credibility and consumers to make appropriate choices.

To find out more, please visit: https://melj.jp/eng/