ASC certification

The objective of the ASC is to make the aquaculture sector more ecologically sustainable and socially responsible – through an effective market-based approach designed to generate added value along the entire value chain. The ASC label plays an important role in raising consumer awareness. Only ASC-certified companies are allowed to display the ASC label on their products.

ASC certified farms meet the following requirements:

• Compliance with national and local laws and regulations;
• Conservation of natural habitats, local biodiversity and ecosystems;
• Conservation of water resources and assurance of water quality;
• Responsible use of feed and other resources;
• Protection of biodiversity with regard to wildlife populations;
• Improved fish health and moderate and responsible use of antibiotics and chemicals;
• Social responsibility of farms towards their employees and local communities.

Our group certificate is aimed at small- to medium-sized companies. Organisations that meet at least one of the following criteria are eligible for group certification:

• annual turnover of less than EUR 2 million; or
• annual volume of seafood products traded is less than 200.000 kg; or
• fewer than 50 seafood-business staff (including at peak times); or
• consumer-oriented organisations (e.g. fish mongers and restaurants).