EMERYVILLE, Calif., Nov. 2, 2012 /PRNewswire/ — Third-party environmental certifier SCS Global Services (SCS) has announced a new partnership with Alpha Hydraulic Engineering Consultants Co., Ltd. (AHEC) of Japan to conduct audits of sustainable seafood businesses under the Marine Stewardship Council (MSC) and Aquaculture Stewardship Council (ASC) standards.

“Japan is a critical market for the implementation of sustainable seafood practices,” said Dr. Robert J. Hrubes, Executive Vice President of SCS. “We are looking forward to a successful collaboration with AHEC as the need for third-party certification of sustainable seafood grows.”

Together, SCS and AHEC will offer MSC certification for wild capture fisheries, ASC certification for fish farms, and chain-of-custody certification for processors, retailers and restaurants.

“Japan‘s seafood industry suffered during the 2011 earthquake,” said Dr. Takashi Wakabayashi, Director of AHEC. “We expect MSC and ASC certification to play a major role in reconstructing the fishing industry and regaining consumer confidence.”

Japan is the world’s third largest fishery producer and a major importer of seafood, highlighting the importance of Japan as a potential market for MSC and ASC certification.

“Since large retailers in Japan, such as AEON and Japan COOP, have made the commitment to source more certified seafood, interest in certification has increased significantly in Japan,” said Dr. Sabine Daume, Manager of SCS’ Sustainable Seafood Program.

SCS has recently started the re-assessment of the Kyoto Seine Fishery, which was the very first fishery certified in Japan under the MSC standard. SCS is also the contracted certification body for the Hokkaido Chum Salmon Fishery.

Seafood businesses in Japan that wish to pursue certification under the MSC or ASC may contact Dr. Takashi Wakabayashi at +81 11-662-3331, fax +81 11-666-8049 fax, or by email at msc@ahec.jp

SCS Global Services (formerly Scientific Certification Systems) has been providing global leadership in third-party environmental and sustainability certification, auditing, testing, and standards development for nearly 30 years. Our programs span a wide cross-section of industries, recognizing achievements in green building, product manufacturing, food and agriculture, forestry, retail, and more. We provide accredited services under a wide range of internationally recognized certification programs. SCS is a chartered benefit corporation and Certified B Corp™, reflecting our commitment to socially and environmentally responsible business practices.

Contact: Nick Kordesch, +1-510-452-8035

SOURCE SCS Global Services