Aquaculture certification schemes help consumers identify fish and shellfish produced to higher welfare and environmental standards, though the range and rigour of available certifications varies considerably.
Aquaculture certification is a genuine welfare tool but requires consumer literacy to use effectively. Not all certifications prioritise welfare — some focus primarily on environmental sustainability or food safety, with welfare as a secondary consideration. RSPCA Assured salmon provides one of the most rigorous welfare-focused certifications available in the UK market. The ASC is strengthening its welfare requirements but remains primarily environmental in focus. Choosing certified products over uncertified ones generally reduces welfare harm, but understanding what specific certifications require is necessary for fully informed purchasing. Third-party auditing and transparency about audit outcomes are important indicators of certification robustness.