9 good reasons to choose the ASC logo

Nine good reasons why the ASC is the responsible choice for seafood

The ASC sets strict standards for fish farming (aquaculture), to ensure that farmers are working to reduce harm to the environment, protect the rights and wellbeing of their employees, and respect the communities in which they operate. 

To achieve ASC certification, farms must go through a rigorous, third-party auditing process. The process is completely independent: the ASC receives no payments for the audit process, and has no say in the auditor’s decisions.

Here are nine good reasons why choosing the ASC logo guarantees that you are making the responsible choice when it comes to buying and eating seafood:

1. ASC certified farms put people and the environment first 

ASC farms are not situated in environmental conservation areas. They must protect biodiversity, and the rights of farm employees and local communities.

2. Eating fish combats climate change 

Fish tends to have a lower carbon footprint and use fewer resources than other farmed animals such as beef and chicken. This helps to reduce the negative impact of food production on the environment and climate change. 

3. Eating farmed fish helps to protect wild fish

Almost 33% of marine fish stocks are already either fully exploited or overfished. With the world population set to reach over 9 billion by 2050, sustainable aquaculture can help meet demand for healthy, nutrient-rich food while reducing the strain on wild fish stocks. The ASC also protects wild fish stocks by requiring fish farms to source fish feed from sustainable sources.

4. ASC places strict controls on chemicals and antibiotics 

The overuse of antibiotics in farming can lead to antibiotic resistance, making it harder to treat diseases in humans. No antibiotics on the World Health Organization list of Critically Important Antimicrobials for Human Medicine can be used. All antibiotics administered on an ASC certified farm have to be prescribed by a vet as part of an agreed ethical treatment plan. 

5. The ASC is transparent and accountable

The ASC certification process provides many opportunities for public comment, and every audit report is posted on the ASC website. A farm can only be certified once all objections to a report have been fairly addressed in writing. 

6. ASC adapts as the science evolves

ASC constantly reviews its certification standards and adapts performance criteria that farms must meet as science and our understanding progress. That way the ASC helps the industry to continually move forward to a more sustainable future.

7. Fish farming supports rural and vulnerable communities

Fish farms operate in some of the world’s poorest communities and can help give them greater access to income, nutrition and education. ASC certified farms, which are based in rural areas in many countries, are encouraged to play an active part in their communities. This can take many forms, including job creation, education in schools, and even sponsorship of local sports teams.

8. Fish farming empowers women

Women are employed more in aquaculture than in other types of farming. A  recent report from the UN stated that women likely make up about half of all direct and indirect jobs created by aquaculture.

9. ASC contributes to worldwide sustainable development

The ASC’s work directly contributes to achieving the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals.