Sri Lanka's blue swimming crab fishery gains MSC certification, becoming country's first certified fishery

The blue swimming crab fishery in northwestern Sri Lanka has obtained certification under the Marine Stewardship Council (MSC) standard, becoming the country's first fishery to receive this certification. The MSC announced the certification result on November 6, 2026, covering offshore-caught Portunus pelagicus (blue swimming crab), and applies to fishing activities in two areas off Sri Lanka's northwestern coast, Palk Bay and Mannar Bay.

The certification was achieved after the completion of a Fishery Improvement Project (FIP), covering small-scale fishers using traditional boats and small motorized vessels operating bottom-set gillnets.

FIP project coordinator Steve Creech said in a press release: "The fishery improvement project's successful achievement of MSC certification is built on a tripartite collaboration, namely responsible fishing by fishers, responsible sourcing by the seafood supply chain, and coordinated fisheries management by Sri Lanka's Department of Fisheries."

The Sri Lanka Seafood Exporters Association, with the support of the crab council of the then-National Fisheries Institute (now the National Seafood Association) of the United States, helped launch the certification process in 2013, bringing stakeholders together to improve scientific data on the blue swimming crab stock. The MSC said these efforts strengthened stock assessments and led to the development of science-driven harvest strategies and a fisheries management plan.

Timothy O'Reilly, co-founder and managing director of Taprobane Seafoods, said the certification will give the company the opportunity to build new partnerships and supply products to more markets. The company is Sri Lanka's largest seafood company, operating the blue swimming crab fishery and processing facilities. O'Reilly said: "In retrospect, we began this journey shortly after the end of Sri Lanka's 30-year civil war, which is remarkable. Years of dedication and collaboration have brought this important milestone to the fishing communities we work with and to Sri Lanka's blue swimming crab industry."

Susantha Kahawatte, Director General of Sri Lanka's Department of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources, said the certification is an important milestone for the department on the path to sustainable fisheries management. He said: "This achievement supports marine resource conservation, safeguards fishers' livelihoods, and strengthens Sri Lanka's position in international seafood markets. MSC certification demonstrates our commitment to the long-term sustainability and competitiveness of the fisheries sector."