Fisheries Standard
The Responsible Fisheries Management (RFM) Fisheries Standard Version 2.2, October 2024, is the current Fisheries Standard in effect for Certified Seafood International. All previous RFM fishery certifications remain current and will receive full recognition from CSI until either the next full reassessment or April 2, 2028 (whichever is later) to transition to the new CSI Fisheries Standard.
The new CSI Fisheries Standard will soon be released for public comment, and we anticipate that it will be available for use by Fishery Clients before the end of 2025. New and existing certified fisheries will be able to certify to the new CSI Standard immediately, but existing certified fisheries will have a transition period of at least three years to come into compliance with the new Standard. Surveillance audits for existing certified fisheries will be against RFM Fisheries Standard V2.2 unless the fishery specifically requests an assessment against the new CSI Standard.
Certified Seafood International Fisheries Standards are directly based on criteria from the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), which provides the world’s most recognized fisheries management guidance. Developed with the participation of the world’s leading fishery biologists, environmental organizations and fishery managers from 70 countries, any change to FAO criteria and guidance documents occurs through a measured, deliberative process.
Certifications to CSI Fisheries Standards are valid for five years, with a requirement for annual surveillance audits.
RFM Fisheries Standard Version 2.2 was issued in October 2024. It built on RFM Fisheries Standard Version 2.1 but reflected the previous RFM program’s scope expansion from North American fisheries operating within the U.S. and Canadian 200 NM EEZ to a global scope extending eligibility to all fisheries without regard to location. RFM Fisheries Standard Version 2.2 replaced Version 2.1.
Fisheries Standard Version 2.2 | Issued: October 2024 | Effective: October 1, 2024
Scoring Guidance | Issued: October 2024 | Effective: October 1, 2024
The RFM program was in existence from 2010 to 2025, and during that time its Fisheries Standard went through substantial changes. RFM Fisheries Standard Version 2.0 made significant amendments to the previous Fisheries Standard, while Version 2.1 and 2.2 were reissues of Version 2.0 incorporating changes in scope.
The RFM Fisheries Standard Version 2.0 included many substantial changes, adding depth and robustness to the RFM Certification Program.
Changes and improvements to RFM Fisheries Standard Verson 2.0 (which are reflected in Versions 2.1 and 2.2) include:
- Rewording of complex clauses;
- General housekeeping and restructuring;
- Fusion of clauses with overlapping requirements;
- Arrangement of six Key Principles for evaluating fisheries into four Key Sections;
- Inclusion of specific metrics and indicators;
- Improved specificity of some clauses, including with respect to stock status and ecosystem components;
- Scoring and Guidance document improvements;
- Development of an addendum and framework for Data Deficient Fisheries assessments; and
- Modification of the scoring matrix from a descriptive to a numerical system.
The certification process for fisheries seeking assessment against RFM Fisheries Standard Version 2.2 remains in full compliance with ISO 17065 accreditation requirements for the operation of a certification program.
Version 2.1 Standard
RFM Fisheries Standard Version 2.1 is a reissue of Version 2.0 reflecting that the scope changed from Alaska only fisheries to North American fisheries operating within the U.S. and Canadian 200 NM EEZ. Version 2.1 achieved GSSI recognition on June 30, 2023.