Aquaculture certification schemes are the primary market tool for improving farmed fish welfare, but significant gaps remain in their welfare provisions.
Aquaculture certification represents the most scalable tool available for improving farmed fish welfare at the point of consumer decision-making. But its current provisions are a floor, not a ceiling, for welfare ambition. The gap between what certification requires and what welfare science supports is still large — particularly for slaughter methods, stocking density, and the welfare of species beyond salmon. Strengthening certification standards requires sustained pressure from consumer groups, welfare organisations, and retailers who source certified products. The most effective approach combines market pressure with regulatory backstop requirements that prevent uncertified low-welfare products from undercutting certified production.