Certification schemes for farmed seafood vary considerably in the animal welfare standards they require and enforce.
Aquaculture certification schemes provide important signals for environmentally conscious consumers, but their coverage of fish welfare varies dramatically. A scheme can be certified as sustainable from an environmental standpoint while having no meaningful welfare requirements — or weak requirements with infrequent auditing. Consumers who care about fish welfare should look specifically for certifications that include stocking density limits, slaughter method requirements, water quality monitoring obligations, and independent verification. Advocacy for stronger welfare components in mainstream certification is increasingly effective as retailer and consumer pressure mounts.