Aquaculture Certification Gaps: What Eco-Labels Do and Do Not Cover

Seafood eco-certification schemes vary significantly in their welfare coverage, with many certifications focused on sustainability metrics while welfare indicators remain inconsistent or absent.

Key Facts

Major seafood certification schemes including ASC and MSC have historically emphasized sustainability over welfare
ASC has been developing welfare standards for farmed species but implementation is incremental
No single certification scheme covers welfare comprehensively across all farmed aquatic species
Consumer understanding of what seafood labels do and do not certify is generally very low
The Global Salmon Initiative has developed industry-level welfare standards complementing certification schemes

Welfare Considerations

Aquaculture certification label literacy is essential for consumers wanting to make welfare-informed choices. Labels that certify environmental sustainability do not necessarily address fish welfare, and vice versa. The development of comprehensive welfare standards for aquatic species is genuinely complex because of the diversity of species, farming systems, and welfare science maturity. Progressive certification bodies are integrating welfare standards incrementally, but consumers should not assume that any current eco-label guarantees high animal welfare standards. Verification systems for welfare claims in aquaculture remain less robust than for terrestrial farm species.

What You Can Do

Research what specific welfare standards are covered by any seafood certification label before relying on it
Support certification bodies developing and strengthening aquatic animal welfare standards
Advocate for transparent welfare coverage disclosure to be required on seafood certification labels
Choose seafood from producers who disclose welfare practices independently of certification status