Global Fish Welfare Certification Gaps

Fish welfare certification is underdeveloped relative to other food sectors, with significant gaps in standards, coverage and verification.

Key Facts

The ASC and GlobalGAP certification schemes cover the majority of certified aquaculture globally
Neither ASC nor GlobalGAP had comprehensive fish welfare standards as of the early 2020s
The RSPCA Assured salmon standard is considered a leading fish welfare certification
Humane slaughter requirements are absent from most major aquaculture certifications
Stocking density requirements exist in some standards but welfare outcomes are not measured directly
Third-party verification of fish welfare is challenging given the scale and nature of aquaculture
The Fish Welfare Initiative is working with producers in Asia to improve standards in uncertified sectors

Welfare Considerations

Fish welfare certification gaps mean that most certified seafood does not guarantee meaningful welfare standards for fish. Certification schemes that focus on environmental sustainability, food safety and labour standards while ignoring fish welfare represent a significant gap. Closing this gap requires welfare scientists, certification bodies and industry working together to develop practical, verifiable fish welfare standards at scale.

What You Can Do

Seek out RSPCA Assured salmon as a leading certified fish welfare standard
Ask aquaculture certification bodies about their fish welfare standards and development plans
Support the Fish Welfare Initiative through donations to fund work in uncertified supply chains
Advocate for mandatory welfare standards in aquaculture certification schemes