The Philippine Tuna Handline Partnership (PTHP), consisting of 500 artisanal fishing boats, has been certified as sustainable by the Marine Stewardship Council (MSC), making it the first fishery in the Philippines to meet this standard. The PTHP, which operates in one of the country's most productive fishing areas, has been supported by a fisheries improvement project since 2011. The MSC certification signifies a significant achievement for the country's small-scale fisheries, not only ensuring the protection of fish stocks and the marine environment but also providing new market opportunities. The MSC is a global organization that sets standards for sustainable fishing and traceability of fish and seafood.