Marine Eco-Label Japan’s GSSI bid heads into public consultation phase

The Global Sustainable Seafood Initiative launched a 30-day public consultation on the GSSI Benchmark Report for the Marine Eco-Label Japan (MEL) scheme on 1 July, 2019.

After applying for recognition under the GSSI program in September, MEL was found to be in alignment with all the GSSI essential components set by the independent experts and the benchmark committee of GSSI. GSSI is now asking for comments from all stakeholders on the recommendation of the benchmark committee, as part of a procedure intended to result in GSSI recognizing the MEL scheme with respect to its Aquaculture Management Standard (Version 1.0, 2018) and Fisheries Management Standard (Version 2.0, 2018). 

Established in 2016, MEL is a Japanese certification covering fisheries, aquaculture, and chain of custody (CoC). The program has its own label, which is intended to promote the sustainable development of fishing industries and seafood culture in Japan.

Following the public consultation, the benchmark committee, alongside independent experts and MEL, will process the feedback received. GSSI's benchmark committee will then provide the GSSI steering board with a final recommendation on recognition. 

The public consultation feedback will be made publicly available after the GSSI steering board's decision. The report and public comment form can be found at https://www.ourgssi.org/mel-japan-public-consultation/.