The Sustainable Eel Group (SEG)’s mission is to provide leadership for the restoration of healthy wild populations of the European eel throughout its natural range.

SEG had already developed a sustainability standard for responsible eel fishers, ranchers and aquaculturalists, and had been operating a certification and labelling scheme for a few years. In 2015 the organisation took the strategic decision to apply for ISEAL membership, using the ISEAL Codes as a framework to upgrade their programme. SEG contracted OneWorldStandards to identify aspects of their scheme that would need to be strengthened, and to support it in the implementation of a work plan to bring SEG into full compliance with the ISEAL Codes.

Matthew worked with Aimee Russillo of Liseed Consulting to carry out a top to bottom review of the SEG programme covering its mission, governance, assurance, standards, and impact evaluation. Working closely with the SEG Leadership Team, Matthew and Aimee helped SEG draft a revised ?Theory of Change?. SEG?s governance documentation was refreshed, formal standards development procedures put in place, and the assurance model was revised. OneWorldStandards and Liseed Consulting then supported SEG during the implementation of its new procedures and with its application for ISEAL membership.