Aquaculture

Aquaculture Welfare Certification Gap Analysis

Welfare standards in aquaculture certification schemes vary enormously, with many failing to cover key welfare indicators including slaughter, handling, and water quality.

Key Facts

Major certification schemes include ASC, GlobalG.A.P., and Best Aquaculture Practices
Few schemes currently require stunning at slaughter for fish species
Water quality parameters differ between schemes without clear welfare justification
Monitoring and enforcement mechanisms vary widely in rigour
Consumer demand for welfare-certified seafood remains relatively low compared to other products

Welfare Considerations

Certification scheme gaps mean many welfare-labelled products do not deliver meaningful welfare improvements. Stronger standards and enforcement are urgently needed.

What You Can Do

Research the welfare standards of certification schemes before purchasing seafood
Support organisations campaigning for stronger aquaculture welfare certification
Ask retailers about their sourcing criteria for farmed seafood welfare
Raise awareness of the gap between certification claims and actual welfare outcomes