Voluntary aquaculture certification schemes have expanded significantly but coverage remains incomplete, standards vary in rigour, and welfare criteria are often weaker than environmental criteria.
Aquaculture certification has made real progress in environmental sustainability but welfare standards within these schemes often lag behind. Slaughter welfare criteria may allow methods that cause significant suffering. Stocking density limits, when included, are not always based on welfare science. Audit frequency may be insufficient to detect systemic problems. The result is that a certified label provides some assurance but not comprehensive welfare protection. Strengthening welfare criteria within existing certification frameworks is achievable and would leverage the purchasing power already connected to these schemes. Consumer pressure on certification bodies and retailers is an effective mechanism for driving welfare improvements within the standards.