As a member of the MSC’s Technical Advisory Board (TAB) since 2009, Dr Smith has played a critical role in shaping the policy development process that governs the MSC’s standards and methodologies. Most recently, he was a member of the expert scientific Low Trophic Level Fisheries working group, charged with incorporating leading global practice into MSC guidance for assessing sustainable management of low trophic level fisheries.
A force in marine science Dr Smith joined the Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation (CSIRO), Australia’s national science agency, in 1989 after having completed research assignments with the Department of Zoology and Entomology at the University of Adelaide, Australia, and with the Centre for Environmental Technology, Imperial College, London, United Kingdom.
Now a Senior Principle Research Scientist at the CSIRO, he leads the Ecosystem Based Management (EBM) research group focussing on integrated oceans management and the development of scientific tools in support of EBM.
Dr Smith co-authored the MSC’s Risk-Based Framework, based on the Australian ecological risk assessment model, which now gives data deficient fisheries the opportunity to be assessed against the MSC’s standard for sustainable fishing. This alternative, precautionary assessment process broadens the accessibility of the MSC programme and is an important step forward in helping developing world fisheries enter the programme and benefit from MSC certification.
He has contributed to the assessment and modelling of Australian and global fisheries and marine resources, including development of scientific evaluation of fishery harvest strategies.
Dr Smith also received the Centenary of Federation Medal for his contributions to Australian and international fisheries science in 2003 and played an important part in developing the Commonwealth Harvest Strategy Policy in Australia.
Rupert Howes, MSC Chief Executive, said: “I am delighted, on behalf of the MSC executive and governing bodies, to congratulate Tony Smith on receiving this richly -deserved honour. The scientific and technical expertise he has contributed to the work of the MSC through his membership of the Technical Advisory Board ensures that our standard and methodologies are securely founded on leading practice. It is this expert advice that keeps our certification programme up-to-date and relevant to fisheries worldwide, and I would like to take this opportunity to thank him for his contribution.”
