A growing number of seafood certification schemes include fish welfare requirements. Understanding what different labels mean helps consumers make genuinely welfare-positive choices.
Fish welfare certification is a developing field where standards vary widely. RSPCA Assured covers specific welfare requirements including stocking density, slaughter methods, and water quality. ASC includes some welfare criteria but its primary focus is environmental sustainability. Wild fisheries certification (MSC) addresses sustainability but has limited welfare focus. Consumers seeking welfare-positive choices should look for RSPCA Assured or equivalent species-specific welfare certification rather than general sustainability labels.