Seafood with purpose: how ASC is driving progress towards the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals

Here at the Aquaculture Stewardship Council (ASC) we believe that seafood farming has an important role to play in meeting the needs of a growing global population, but that the industry can and should be meeting this need responsibly and sustainably. To us this means farming in a way that mitigates the social and environmental impacts of raising fish. 

This is why we pay close attention to the United Nation’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and especially those goals that we can contribute to via our work setting the standard for the responsible seafood farming industry. We want to make sure that our actions are helping to achieve goals that will contribute to a sustainable future for us all. 

In today’s blog we’re diving into the UN’s vision, and how ASC is working within its framework to make a long-term difference. 

What are the SDGs?

Back in 2015 the United Nations laid out 17 goals for the planet’s future as part of their 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. 

The UN calls these goals ‘a shared blueprint for peace and prosperity for people and the planet, now and into the future’, and they cover all aspects of our lives, from economic growth to gender equality and preserving our oceans. The Agenda is shared by all 193 UN Member States which means that this is a truly international call to action. 

Within these 17 goals are 169 different actions we as a global community need to take. Seven SDG goals and 82 of these actions are addressed by ASC’s work.

How is ASC contributing to achieving these goals?

We’re helping meet the UN’s targets for the seven SDGs that are within the scope of the seafood farming industry in the following ways: 

• Zero hunger – ASC certified farms produce a harvested volume of 2.4 million tonnes of seafood and seaweed per year, contributing to the supply of an affordable, accessible source of protein. 

• Clean water and sanitation – ASC standards insist on the protection and, where relevant, the restoration of the water ecosystems surrounding each certified farm. Clean water must also be made available for all employees living on site at farms. 

• Responsible consumption and production – in 2021 we saw a 58.7% year on year uplift in the volume of ASC certified seafood produced, due to increased demand for sustainable products. The ASC label assures seafood lovers that their fish has been sourced responsibly and sustainably, with minimal environmental and societal impact. There are currently ASC guidelines covering the responsible farming of 17 different species of seafood. 

• Life below water – our growing network of ASC certified farms are increasing the volume of responsibly farmed seafood available on the global market, meeting the demands of seafood lovers while also alleviating pressure on our oceans, lakes and rivers. 

• Life on land – ASC certified farms actively ensure that they minimise their impact on the environment. This includes making sure that new farm sites are not in High Conservation Value Areas, creating impact assessments to protect marine mammals, birds and sensitive habitats, and minimising fish escapes. We also have strict rules around any plant-based feed ingredients used to feed fish. All plant-based feed must be free of ingredients that contribute to deforestation, like soy and palm oil that aren’t sustainably sourced. ASC also works to protect groundwater sources and wildlife. 

• Peace, justice, and strong institutions – ASC’s certification process involves gathering feedback from local and indigenous communities to ensure all voices are heard. Producers must also proactively engage in meaningful consultation with these groups. 
• Partnerships for the goals – in 2021, ASC collaborated with over 230 commercial and non-commercial partners. 

While not directly related to responsible seafood farming, ASC also strongly aligns with these SDGs: 

• No poverty – ASC certifies 640 farms in low-medium income countries, providing employment and fair wages to thousands of employees. Our Improver Programme also works with smaller farms in developing countries to help them improve their practices. 

• Decent work and economic growth – ASC standards forbid the use of forced and child labour on certified farms. The also promote human rights in the workplace and decent work for everyone. 

• Reduced in-equalities – Stakeholders from 35 countries provided feedback through ASC’s consultations in 2021. Our feedback process ensures that opinions are gathered from seafood farmers and their local communities as well as retailers, academics and scientists. 

• Climate action – ASC has developed an online tool to consistently measure and characterise the seafood farming industry’s greenhouse gas impact. Seafood is already recognised as having a much lower carbon footprint than most terrestrial meat, but we want to ensure that it’s as easy as possible for the industry to gauge and reduce their emissions. 

In the run up to 2030 there’s still a lot for the global community to achieve. That’s why we’re continuously monitoring our contribution and looking at areas for improvement. To find out more about we evaluate our performance against the UN’s goals, click here. 

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