Aquaculture certification schemes vary enormously in their fish welfare requirements. Understanding what different labels actually guarantee helps consumers make choices that reflect their values on fish welfare.
Fish welfare in certification is still developing. Most certification schemes were designed primarily for environmental sustainability and food safety, with welfare added as a secondary consideration. Consumers who care about fish welfare need to understand that major labels like ASC do not guarantee meaningful welfare standards. RSPCA Assured (UK) provides the most comprehensive fish welfare requirements currently. The absence of comprehensive welfare requirements in dominant certification schemes reflects the historical undervaluation of fish sentience — a position increasingly untenable as scientific evidence accumulates. Consumer awareness and advocacy can accelerate the inclusion of robust welfare standards in aquaculture certification.