Dear Our partners,

On November 22, 2021, GSSI (Global Sustainable Seafood Initiative) announced that Marine Eco-Label Japan (MEL) V2 was recommended for continued recognition for FMS (Fisheries Management Standard) Ver. 2.0 and AMS (Aquaculture Management Standard) Ver. 1.0 following the completion of Monitoring of Continued Alignment process (MOCA).

Starting in December 2020, assessments and several reviews were conducted by the Independent Experts and the members of Benchmark Committee. Then after 30 days of Public Consultation, the recommendation for MEL Japan’s continued recognition was finally approved by GSSI Steering Board. In the long process of one year, several issues and challenges were pointed out from an international perspective, but our sincere and continuous improvement with the cooperation of the parties concerned has been highly evaluated.

We would like to express our deepest gratitude to the certification body, auditors, research institutions and members of MEL Japan’s committees such as Standard Setting Committee, Advisory Board and Technical Committee for their robust cooperation.

GSSI’s approval for continued recognition is just a milestone for our journey. We will respond promptly to the global situation, GSSI and FAO’s policies, and trends in fish stocks and environmental issues. We will continue to improve the quality of scheme and take actions to become a globally trusted marine eco-label certification system.

We look forward to your continued support.

Sincerely,

Secretariats of Marine Eco-Labe Japan Council