Aquaculture Welfare Certification Standards

Aquaculture certification schemes are an increasingly important tool for improving fish and shellfish welfare in farmed seafood production, but current standards vary widely in their welfare ambition.

Key Facts

Aquaculture produces more than 50% of global seafood for human consumption
Major certification schemes include ASC, BAP, GlobalG.A.P., and Naturland
Fish welfare criteria in most certification schemes remain weaker than those for terrestrial farmed animals
ASC has begun incorporating fish welfare indicators including stocking density and handling guidelines
Consumer demand for responsibly sourced seafood is a key driver of welfare improvements in aquaculture

Welfare Considerations

Aquaculture certification provides market-based incentives for welfare improvement, but the sector faces the challenge that fish welfare science is less developed than for terrestrial species. Current leading schemes address some welfare indicators including water quality, stocking density, and disease management, but comprehensive welfare assessment frameworks comparable to those for broilers or pigs are only beginning to develop. The Aquatic Animal Alliance brings together welfare organisations to strengthen fish welfare requirements in certification. Consumer purchasing choices in favour of certified products provide market signals that influence producer investment in welfare improvement.

What You Can Do

Look for ASC or equivalent certification when purchasing farmed seafood
Learn about the welfare components of different aquaculture certification schemes
Advocate for stronger fish welfare requirements in aquaculture certification standards
Support organisations working to develop science-based fish welfare assessment frameworks
Reduce consumption of uncertified farmed seafood from systems with no welfare oversight