Summary
This paper outlines the positive and negative perspectives on MSC certification of South Africa's hake trawl fishery, based on the researcher's interviews with local scientists and members of the fishing industry. The author summises that whilst certifiation has strengthened the role of science and sustainability in local fisheries management, it can cause tension when certified entities are held to account for responsiblilities falling out fo their remit, and in the domain of stretched government departments. The author suggests that instead of bar-raising, MSC should allow for more flexibility in its standards, especially in the context of the developing world.