Summary
This paper examines the effect of Marine Stewardship Council (MSC) certification on dockside (ex-vessel) price premiums. The researchers use data from three fisheries: salmon and halibut in Alaska, and flathead flounder in Kyoto, Japan. A differnce-in-difference approach is then used to examine whether ex-vessel prices have changed since certification when compared to non-certified counterparts. The study yields mixed results, showing significant increases in the ex-vessel prices of certified chum and pink salmon, and flathead flounder, however a decline in price difference between certified and uncertified sockeye salmon, with no significant effects found for chinook and coho salmon and halibut.