The Aquaculture Stewardship Council (ASC) is an international non-profit organization that aims to promote and recognize responsible and sustainable aquaculture practices worldwide. It operates as a certification and labeling program for farmed seafood products, ensuring that they have been produced in an environmentally, socially, and economically responsible manner.
The ASC functions as an independent third-party body, providing standards and guidelines for the responsible cultivation of various aquatic species including fish, shellfish, and seaweed. These standards cover a wide range of factors, such as minimizing environmental impacts, preserving biodiversity, ensuring water quality and usage, promoting positive social interactions, and implementing sound management practices throughout the production process.
Aquaculture producers that meet the ASC's stringent requirements can apply for certification, which involves undergoing an assessment by accredited certification bodies. This evaluation includes thorough audits of farms and processing facilities to ensure compliance with the ASC's standards.
Once certified, these aquaculture producers are granted permission to display the ASC's recognizable blue logo on their product packaging, providing assurance to consumers that the seafood they are purchasing has been produced with consideration for the environment and society.
Through its certification program, the ASC strives to create a market demand for responsibly farmed seafood and incentivize aquaculture producers to adopt sustainable practices. This, in turn, helps to protect and conserve ecosystems, promote responsible resource management, and support the livelihoods of those working in the aquaculture industry.
