Dr Vassily Spiridonov has joined the Marine Stewardship Council (MSC) as its contract representative for the Russian Federation. This new appointment reflects increasing interest from the Russian wild-capture fisheries sector in meeting market demand for independent certification of their products. Based in Moscow, Dr Spiridonov will be working with fisheries managers, fishing and processing companies, scientists and conservation organisations throughout Russia, to help them take part in the MSC certification and ecolabelling program.

Dr. Spiridonov has over 25 years experience in the field of marine biology and ecology. He has held various positions in Russian fisheries management, and previously led the WWF marine program in the Russian federation. As well as working with the MSC, Dr. Spiridonov will continue his active research and teachings in the field of marine biology for the Shirsov institute of Oceanology and as associate lecturer at Moscow University.