Community Catch Certification

NSF delivers Community Catch Certification for small-scale fisheries

Small-scale fishing communities play a critical role in global seafood production and local economies, yet they often face barriers to certification, market access and recognition for responsible practices. Community Catch was developed to address these challenges by providing a certification framework that promotes both social responsibility and environmental sustainability while remaining accessible and practical for small-scale fisheries.

As an approved certification body, NSF brings extensive expertise in seafood certification, sustainability assessment and responsible fisheries management. Through Community Catch Certification, fisheries can demonstrate their commitment to responsible practices, continuous improvement and transparent supply chains while gaining greater visibility with seafood buyers and stakeholders.

Empowering fishing communities through responsible certification

Community Catch is a global initiative designed to:

• Advance a more equitable and sustainable seafood sector.
• Empower small-scale fishing communities.
• Improve access to seafood markets.
• Promote social responsibility and environmental sustainability.
• Protect marine ecosystems and fishery resources.
• Strengthen coastal livelihoods and community resilience.
• Support continuous improvement across fisheries and supply chains.

By recognizing responsible fishing practices and supporting ongoing improvement, Community Catch helps fisheries tell their sustainability story with confidence while meeting growing market expectations.

Why choose NSF for Community Catch Certification

NSF has specialist fisheries technical experts who work closely with fisheries and seafood supply chains to help ensure seafood is responsibly sourced, meets sustainability expectations and aligns with industry best practices. NSF’s seafood certification programs build on decades of experience supporting responsible fisheries and supply chains around the world

NSF Fisheries Certification Team has extensive expertise in sustainable fisheries and works to:

• Build consumer and buyer confidence.
• Conduct independent third-party assessments.
• Encourage continuous improvement.
• Expand market access opportunities.
• Promote healthier fish populations and responsible resource management.
• Support responsible fisheries management.

NSF also brings extensive experience in health and safety, labor rights and animal welfare programs, reinforcing its commitment to responsible and ethical practices throughout the food production sector.

Benefits of Community Catch Certification

Community Catch Certification can help organizations:

• Demonstrate commitment to social and environmental responsibility.
• Differentiate products in competitive seafood markets.
• Drive continuous improvement across fishing operations and supply chains.
• Improve credibility with buyers, retailers and consumers.
• Strengthen opportunities for community-based fisheries to access new markets.
• Support transparency and responsible sourcing initiatives.

Who can benefit

Community Catch Certification is designed to support:

• Community-based fishing organizations.
• Fishers and fishing cooperatives.
• Organizations seeking to support responsible, community-centered seafood sourcing.
• Seafood processors and supply chain partners working with certified fisheries.
• Small-scale fisheries.

About Community Catch

Community Catch is a global initiative focused on empowering small-scale fishing communities through an affordable, accessible, and credible certification standard. By connecting responsible fishers with seafood markets and fostering continuous improvement, Community Catch helps create positive environmental, social and economic outcomes across the seafood value chain.

Your next step

Contact NSF to learn how Community Catch Certification can help your fishery demonstrate responsible practices, strengthen market opportunities and support sustainable community development.