This new version lays the foundations for fully traceable marine ingredients and progresses the standard's focus on environmental and social impacts, both at the factory and on the vessels supplying whole fish. It also aims to increase accessibility for responsibly sourced and produced marine ingredients and encourage the use of byproducts.

Libby Woodhatch, executive chair of MarinTrust, said that “this version comes towards the end of a rigorous, long-term development process, closely overseen by MarinTrust’s multi-stakeholder Governing Body Committee. It included pilot assessments across the world and feedback from key marine ingredient stakeholders to enhance the consistency and robustness of audits. A 60-day public consultation, from May 4 to July 3, 2023, resulted in a public report and provided 22 responses from a wide group of stakeholders all over the world.”

“The Factory Standard’s new version will be effective on May 1, 2024,” stated Francisco Aldon, CEO of MarinTrust. “This date marks the day when all sites applying for a MarinTrust certification or a certification renewal will have to comply with the updated requirements. As for the sites already certified against the MarinTrust Factory Standard, May 1, 2024 marks the start of a year-long transition period, allowing for adjustments to be made by every factory until May 1, 2025.”