Aquaculture certification schemes vary enormously in their welfare requirements, making it essential for consumers to understand what different labels actually guarantee for fish and other aquatic animals.
Aquaculture certification provides an imperfect but meaningful tool for consumers seeking to minimize farmed fish welfare impacts. Understanding what each scheme does and does not cover helps consumers make more informed choices within the limited options available. Advocating for improved welfare content in existing certification schemes — and supporting organizations pushing for stronger standards — is more impactful than relying solely on current labels.