Aquaculture certification schemes vary enormously in their welfare content. Understanding the gaps in current certification helps consumers make informed choices and advocates prioritize reform.
The gap between what aquaculture certification covers and what fish welfare science recommends is significant. Most major certification schemes were developed primarily for environmental sustainability rather than welfare, and welfare criteria have been added incrementally with limited ambition. Key missing elements include requirements for humane slaughter, monitoring of injury indicators like fin damage, and assessments of crowding stress. Effective welfare certification needs to incorporate species-specific behavioral needs, pain management requirements, and audit processes that can verify welfare in practice.