Third-party aquaculture certification schemes vary widely in their animal welfare requirements; understanding the differences helps consumers make more informed choices.
Aquaculture certification is an imperfect but important tool for improving fish welfare at scale. Certifications that include animal welfare criteria provide a market mechanism for rewarding producers who invest in better conditions. RSPCA Assured sets specific maximum stocking densities, requires environmental enrichment, mandates pre-slaughter stunning, and covers transport welfare. ASC standards are primarily sustainability-focused but are evolving to include stronger welfare criteria. BAP (Best Aquaculture Practices) includes welfare provisions of variable stringency. Consumers who prioritize welfare should look specifically for RSPCA Assured or equivalent welfare-specialist certifications rather than assuming all certified products meet high welfare standards.