ASMI chose a Responsible Fisheries Management (RFM) model based on the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) Code and Guidelines because it meets the highest benchmarks for credible certification.

Assessments are performed directly against the most well known internationally-agreed set of principles for responsible fisheries management; The FAO Code of Conduct for Responsible Fisheries and The FAO Guidelines for Eco-labelling. Other regions and countries such as Louisiana, Japan and Iceland also use the FAO Code and Guidelines for their certification program, and this model is also under consideration for use in other countries.

This is a robust, common sense, practical and cost-effective approach and allows Alaska fisheries to meet the FAO criteria for credible certification. This program also utilizes certifiers who are accredited to the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) by an International Accreditation Board member. The result is a model that is practical, verifiable, transparent and incorporates the criteria and procedures outlined in the FAO Code and Guidelines.

Logo until 2020

RFM is a fisheries certification program covering North American fisheries operating within the U.S. and Canadian 200 nm EEZ. On July 1, 2020, the Certified Seafood Collaborative (CSC), a 501(c)(3) non-profit foundation led by a diverse board of seafood and sustainability industry experts, became the owner of the Responsible Fisheries Management (RFM) Certification program.

The Alaska Seafood Marketing Institute officially handed over ownership after a six-month period of transition following over ten years of dedication to developing the robust and independent certification for the industry. The transfer of RFM to the CSC presents new opportunity for cost savings, increased efficiencies and growth outside of Alaska fisheries.

Third-Party Certification

Responsible Fisheries Management (RFM) is a third-party certification program for wild-capture fisheries, similar to the Marine Stewardship Council (MSC), and Best Aquaculture Practices (BAP), and Aquaculture Stewardship Council (ASC) on the aquaculture side