Multiple aquaculture certification schemes exist with varying welfare requirements, making it important for consumers and buyers to understand the differences in standards.
Certification scheme differences matter significantly for welfare outcomes. Schemes that include animal-based welfare outcomes, independent auditing and public reporting of welfare metrics provide more meaningful assurance than those relying solely on management-based inputs. Consumers choosing certified aquaculture products benefit from understanding which schemes include meaningful welfare provisions and which are primarily environmental or business practice certifications.