Welfare Science

Sustainable Seafood Labeling and Welfare

Sustainable seafood labels address environmental impacts but rarely incorporate fish and crustacean welfare - an emerging gap in certification systems.

Key Facts

MSC and ASC certifications focus on stock sustainability and environmental practices
Welfare parameters including crowding, slaughter method, and handling are not core MSC/ASC criteria
The RSPCA Assured aquaculture scheme incorporates welfare alongside sustainability
Consumer research shows increasing interest in welfare alongside environmental credentials
Integrated sustainability and welfare certification would provide more complete assurance

Welfare Considerations

Sustainable seafood systems must address the welfare of the animals they produce - sustainability and welfare are complementary, not competing goals. Integrating welfare into certification schemes is a natural evolution that the sector is beginning to embrace.

What You Can Do

Choose seafood with welfare-inclusive certification where available
Ask retailers and restaurants about welfare standards in their seafood supply chains
Support campaigns to integrate welfare into mainstream sustainable seafood labeling