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ASC Supports Sir David Attenborough’s Call to Protect Ocean Biodiversity
June 10, 2025
World-renowned naturalist Sir David Attenborough’s latest film, ‘Ocean’ offers a stunning yet sobering look at the importance and fragility of our marine ecosystems. The film also emphasises the urgent need to protect ocean biodiversity and water quality for future generations.
As the leading NGO supporting responsible seafood farming, Aquaculture Stewardship Council (ASC) shares Sir David’s passion for protecting our oceans and is committed to transforming the industry towards responsible production. ASC standards are robust and science-based, prioritising environmental sustainability and biodiversity, animal welfare and social responsibility.
By setting and enforcing strict criteria for water quality, habitat conservation, and biodiversity protection, the ASC Farm Standard plays a crucial role in ensuring that seafood farming contributes to healthy oceans. The ASC Feed Standard also plays an equally important role in this effort by setting strict requirements for the responsible sourcing of marine, plant and other ingredients in aquafeeds.
ASC certification programmes also include comprehensive human rights requirements, focusing on the rights of employees, Indigenous peoples, and local communities who rely on the oceans and its surroundings for their lives and livelihoods.
Importantly, we also measure and demonstrate the impact of our programmes on an annual basis and, in 2023, ASC certified farms delivered over 4,000 environmental and over 3,000 social improvements on farms.
Films such as ‘Ocean’ are an important reminder of what’s at stake, and that we should collectively work together to protect our Earth’s limited resources. More sustainable practices in aquaculture not only protect the environment, but also support the long-term abundance of seafood — helping to increase global food security and promote responsible consumption.
We fully support Sir David’s message that the choices we make today will shape the fate of our oceans – and that there is still time to make meaningful change. The ASC label ensures your seafood has been farmed with care for people and planet and is fully traceable throughout the supply chain. ASC empowers consumers, retailers, and seafood farmers to be part of the solution by supporting responsible seafood that helps safeguard the blue heart of our planet.
ASC certification is driving global change in responsible seafood farming, with over 2,000 certified farm sites worldwide. More than 29,000 ASC labelled products are available in 126 countries, making it easier than ever for consumers to choose seafood that supports environmental sustainability and social responsibility. ASC covers a wide range of farmed seafood species, so whatever your preference—whether it’s salmon, seabass, shrimp, mussels, seaweed, abalone or tilapia, choose the ASC label for change and make your seafood choices count.
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