The David and Lucile Packard, Skoll, and Walton Family foundations have announced grants totaling $10.85 million over the next three years to the Marine Stewardship Council in support of the organization's efforts to build the global market for sustainable seafood.

Announced at the SeaWeb International Seafood Summit in Hong Kong, the grants will support MSC's certification and eco-labeling program, which is designed to preserve the livelihoods of fishermen while restoring depleted fish populations and fostering a healthy marine environment. The funding will enable MSC to work toward securing buyer commitments, expand the availability of MSC-labeled seafood in retail stores worldwide, and increase support from the food service industry. The grant funds also will be used to strengthen MSC's methodology for assessing fisheries and measure the impact of its program on the environmental performance of certified fisheries.

Since 2007, the number of MSC-labeled products has grown to more than sixteen thousand, from five hundred, while two hundred and eighty-seven fisheries either have been certified or are in assessment.

"It is critical to protect and restore dwindling fish populations around the world. It is equally important to ensure that the fishermen and seafood retailers who depend on those fish can continue to thrive," said Scott Burns, director of the environment program at the Walton Family Foundation. "MSC has established itself as the world leader in driving progress toward healthier fisheries and fishing communities."