Multiple aquaculture certification schemes exist with very different welfare standards - understanding the differences helps consumers make genuinely impactful choices.
Aquaculture certification is a genuine maze for welfare-conscious consumers. Labels signal different things - environmental sustainability, food safety, welfare, or combinations - and the welfare component varies enormously between schemes. RSPCA Assured represents the strongest UK welfare standards for salmon, while ASC provides environmental credibility. The absence of a comprehensive welfare-only certification means consumers must research specific schemes. Supporting campaigns for stronger welfare requirements within existing certification is the most practical leverage point.