Pretty good standard focused on farmed fish rather than wild fish
People
3
Environment
6
Animals
6
Independently Verified
What we say
ASC focuses on farmed fish and aquaculture rather than the more wild-caught focused MSC. Currently, standards vary depending on species but include showing minimal impact on surrounding areas, that pollution from the farm is managed and that fish feed is responsibly sourced.
Taking a look at Salmon, an ASC farm must not damage the local eco system, must minimise (but not eradicate) the use of wild fish as food for the Salmon, must maintain a ‘good’ or ‘very good’ water quality (as managed by the EU) and must maintain low levels of parasites and unexpected mortality.
Check the ASC’s official site for details on the regulation for each one as its very detailed. The 17 species covered are: Abalone, Bivalve, Flatfish, Freshwater trout, Pangasius, Salmon, Seabass (Seabream Meagre), Seriola & Cobia, Shrimp, Tilapia and – the somewhat wide – Tropical marine fish.
All ASC certified farms must pay decent wage and have regulated working hours. However the term ‘decent’ is up to interpretation.
What they say
A set of strict requirements for responsible farming, which encourage seafood producers to minimise the key environmental and social impacts of aquaculture. The ASC has been gathering data since 2012.
It’s a complex set of eleven ASC standards covering 17 species groups (best to read the official docs on this one) and a joint ASC-MSC standard for seaweed.
ASC certification imposes requirements based on the International Labour Organisation, including prohibiting the use of child labour or any form of forced labour.