Multiple aquaculture welfare certification schemes exist with different coverage, standards, and verification rigor - understanding these differences helps informed consumer choices.
Aquaculture certification landscape is complex enough to undermine consumer confidence and choice. The proliferation of schemes with different focuses, standards, and verification rigor means that 'certified' on a fish product label carries very different welfare implications depending on which scheme issued the certification. RSPCA Assured provides the most comprehensive welfare standards for covered species in the UK market; ASC provides stronger environmental assurance but weaker welfare provisions. Consumer-facing guidance that clearly distinguishes scheme welfare coverage would significantly improve the ability of welfare-motivated purchasing to drive industry improvement.