Welfare Science

Fish Welfare Certification Future

Fish welfare certification is at an early stage of development with emerging schemes incorporating species-specific standards.

Key Facts

ASC certification focuses primarily on environmental sustainability
RSPCA Assured salmon certification includes welfare indicators specific to salmon farming
Global G.A.P. aquaculture standards are beginning to incorporate fish welfare requirements
Consumer demand for welfare-certified fish is growing
Internationally harmonized fish welfare standards would simplify supply chain compliance

Welfare Considerations

Fish welfare certification is a rapidly evolving field where the frameworks of tomorrow are being designed today. Getting standards right - species-specific, outcome-based, and verifiable - will determine whether certification delivers meaningful welfare improvement.

What You Can Do

Support fish welfare certification schemes with specific welfare outcome measures
Ask retailers about welfare certification for the fish they sell
Advocate for internationally consistent fish welfare standards