South Asia’s first MSC-certified blue swimming crab fishery. Recognition follows a 13-year effort with fishing communities, the Department of Fisheries and industry partners, and opens doors to premium export markets.
Sri Lanka’s North-Western blue swimming crab fishery has become the first fishery in Sri Lanka to be certified against the Marine Stewardship Council (MSC) Fisheries Standard, the world’s leading benchmark for sustainable wild-caught seafood. It is also the first blue swimming crab fishery in South Asia to achieve MSC certification.
The certification took effect on 4 November 2026, after the MSC accepted the fishery’s Public Certification Report. It was confirmed by the independent assessment body Control Union UK.
The milestone is significant for the thousands of coastal families in the Northern and North-Western regions who depend on crab fishing for their income. It also gives Sri Lankan exporters access to international retailers and food-service buyers that increasingly require certified, responsibly sourced seafood.
Thirteen years in the making
The certification is the result of a Fishery Improvement Project (FIP) launched in 2013 under the guidance of Dr Steve Creech. It brought together fishing communities, the Department of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (DFAR), the National Fisheries Institute (NFI–USA), conservation partners and Taprobane Seafoods.
Over more than a decade, the project worked to strengthen fisheries governance, improve scientific understanding of the crab stock, promote responsible fishing practices and support coastal livelihoods.
The DFAR played a central role, strengthening governance, supporting scientific monitoring and developing the management framework needed to meet and maintain international standards. Industry partner CM Blue Crab (Pvt) Ltd also contributed to the collective effort.
Fishermen themselves were at the heart of the process. Beyond continuing to harvest crab, they took part in improving fishing practices, supported data collection and adopted changes designed to protect the fishery’s future. Without their commitment over more than a decade, the certification would not have been possible.
A boost for Sri Lankan seafood exports
MSC certification strengthens Sri Lanka’s standing as a trusted source of responsibly harvested seafood, and allows Taprobane Seafoods to supply customers seeking MSC-certified blue swimming crab. Taprobane is now among a small number of commercial-scale producers worldwide able to do so.
The achievement also shows that small-scale fishing communities in developing countries can meet global sustainability standards through long-term investment, cooperation and sound resource management.
Dilan Fernando, Chairman and a Founding Director of Taprobane Seafoods, said:
“This is an incredibly proud moment not only for Taprobane Seafoods, but for Sri Lanka and everyone who believed this was possible, including the fishing communities who have been at the heart of this journey. More than a decade ago, we committed ourselves to building a fishery that could support livelihoods while protecting the marine resources on which future generations depend.
“This achievement belongs to the fishermen, their families, government institutions and all the partners who have worked tirelessly towards a common goal. And to the remarkable people at Taprobane Seafoods, whose talent, determination and willingness to keep pushing boundaries have made so many of our achievements possible, thank you.
“MSC certification demonstrates what can be achieved when communities, industry and conservation interests work together with a shared long-term vision. For us, sustainability is not simply about meeting an international standard. It is about ensuring that our fishing communities can continue to thrive for generations to come.”
Sampath Padmawansa, Secretary of the Seafood Exporters’ Association of Sri Lanka, said:
“The Seafood Exporters’ Association of Sri Lanka extends its warmest congratulations to Taprobane Seafoods and all stakeholders involved in achieving the prestigious MSC certification for Sri Lanka’s blue swimming crab fishery. This historic milestone is a tremendous achievement for our nation and a powerful demonstration of Sri Lanka’s commitment to sustainable fisheries, responsible resource management, and internationally recognised standards of excellence.
“This is not simply a success for one company or one fishery; it is a proud moment for Sri Lanka’s entire seafood industry and an inspiration for other fisheries across the country to pursue the highest international standards of sustainability.”
A record of industry firsts
Sri Lanka’s first MSC certification is the latest in a series of firsts for Taprobane Seafoods. The company pioneered Sri Lanka’s first pasteurised crab meat processing operation, achieved Asia’s first eco-recommended blue swimming crab recognition, introduced vannamei shrimp farming, earned four-star Best Aquaculture Practices (BAP) certification and developed Sri Lanka’s first Aquaculture Stewardship Council (ASC) certified shrimp farm.
