ASC Leads Global Discussion on Responsible Aquaculture at Major Japanese Events

Aquaculture Stewardship Council (ASC) took a leading role in championing responsible aquaculture at the Expo 2025 Osaka–Kansai and Sustainable Seafood Week in Japan. Working in partnership with Seafood Legacy and sustainability organisations, ASC showcased how certified responsible farming can help safeguard marine ecosystems, support communities, and ensure the long-term future of Japan’s seafood heritage.

ASC participation in the Blue Ocean Dome was enabled through Seafood Legacy, a key partner working to advance sustainable seafood in Japan. ASC and Seafood Legacy have collaborated closely since signing a Memorandum of Understanding in 2022 to expand awareness and uptake of responsible aquaculture nationwide.

From late September to early October, ASC joined WWF, Sailors for the Sea, the Global Seafood Alliance (GSA) and the Japan Sustainable Seafood Society (JSSS) to co-host ‘Choose and Protect: Future of Fish Week’, which drew steady attendance from consumers, families, students and industry stakeholders interested in ocean conservation and sustainable seafood.

Organised by ZERI JAPAN—a non-profit dedicated to advancing a zero-emission, recycling-oriented society—and supported by Saraya, a company recognised for its commitment to hygiene and sustainability, the Dome embodied the power of collaboration between businesses and NGOs in driving meaningful change for the ocean.

Throughout the week, ASC delivered public talks, interactive displays and a discussion featuring the comedy trio Robert, Hiroyuki Baba and ASC Japan Marketing & Communications Manager Naomi Kawata. The programme highlighted how ASC certification helps ensure that farmed seafood is produced responsibly, with care for communities and the environment.

Following these activities, ASC Japan General Manager Koji Yamamoto chaired a panel with certified producers of salmon, oyster and seaweed to provide practical examples of responsible aquaculture in action. At the Sustainable Seafood Summit (TSSS) in Osaka, ASC Commercial Director for Europe and APAC Barbara Janker also spoke on the importance of responsible feed sourcing in reducing aquaculture’s environmental footprint.

Reflecting on the panel discussion, Barbara said, “It was inspiring to see the momentum towards responsible aquaculture building in Japan. The reality of marine ingredient byproduct inclusion in Japan poses a real challenge — these byproducts can come from a wide variety of species, including some that are endangered, and there is also the risk of material originating from IUU (Illegal, Unreported, and Unregulated) fisheries. While the ASC Feed Standard fully supports the use of byproducts, it’s crucial to ensure they are free from IUU sources and endangered species.”

Because the future of our oceans lies in the hands of the next generation, ASC ended the week by welcoming families and children to learn about responsible aquaculture. Children learned how shrimp are farmed and discovered how ASC works to protect the ocean—ensuring no antibiotics are used and mangroves remain thriving ecosystems for marine life.

Koji Yamamoto, ASC Japan General Manager said, “Japan has a rich seafood culture, and we are seeing strong interest from consumers and producers alike in securing the future of that tradition. When people understand that responsible aquaculture protects ecosystems, supports communities and ensures high-quality seafood, they feel empowered to make choices that drive positive change.”

ASC’s participation across these key industry events reinforces its global leadership in responsible aquaculture and its commitment to advancing best practice through collaboration. In Japan and the wider Asia-Pacific region, ASC is working alongside partners such as Seafood Legacy to drive progress towards a more transparent, accountable and sustainable aquaculture sector that supports both the environment and the communities that depend on it.