Aquatic Animals

Aquaculture Welfare Certification: What Standards Mean

Multiple aquaculture certification schemes address welfare to varying degrees; understanding what they cover helps inform purchasing decisions.

Key Facts

Aquaculture Stewardship Council certification covers sustainability but limited welfare
BAP four-star certification includes some welfare provisions
The Global Salmon Initiative has committed to welfare improvements across member farms
No aquaculture certification currently meets the standards of farm animal welfare schemes for mammals

Welfare Considerations

Aquaculture certification for fish and shrimp is primarily sustainability-focused, with welfare provisions that are limited compared to terrestrial farm animal certification. Leading schemes including ASC and BAP cover stocking density and disease management but fall short on stunning at slaughter and positive welfare indicators. Consumers should understand that sustainable does not equal high welfare in aquaculture certification.

What You Can Do

Choose ASC or BAP certified seafood as a baseline while advocating for stronger welfare provisions
Engage with certification bodies to advocate for stronger welfare requirements
Support development of dedicated aquaculture welfare certification standards
Reduce consumption of aquaculture species where welfare certification is weakest