Find what you are looking for

Go directly to content

Why ASC?

We set the standard for seafood. If you see the ASC label on pack, you can be sure that your seafood was farmed with care.

Our impact

By choosing ASC labelled seafood, you are making a proven, positive impact on people and the planet.

Get involved

Which seafood will you choose for dinner? We've got some suggestions.

Popular links

Follow us and stay up to date:

Certification

Join the most recognised certification programme as proof of your responsible farming practices to a global audience.

Our impact

ASC creates measurable positive change in global seafood farming.

Find out more

The ASC programme is successful because of all producers and partners involved. Read our reports and stories.

Certification

Join the most recognised certification programme and benefit from trading ASC certified seafood.

Our impact

ASC creates measurable, positive change in global seafood farming.

After certification

In addition to accessing our global network of secure and flexible supply, ASC partners benefit from marketing their ASC certified seafood.

ASC salmon standard recognised by Global Sustainable Seafood Initiative

September 17, 2018

The ASC’s salmon standard has been recognised by the Global Sustainable Seafood Initiative (GSSI), a seafood certification industry benchmark. 

As well as meeting all of the essential components of the benchmark, the ASC standard achieved 52 ‘supplementary components’ – more than any other aquaculture certification scheme. The ASC’s standard achieved 100 per cent of the components in two of the three categories, governance and operational management, as well as 25 supplementary components for the requirements of the standard. 

The ASC Salmon Standard requires producers to demonstrate responsible aquaculture to minimise both environmental and social impacts, and requires an unprecedented level of transparency and traceability. The salmon certification programme has grown steadily since its launch in 2012, with 240 salmon farms now certified. 

The GSSI benchmark is based on United Nations Food and Agricultural Organization (FAO) guidelines for the ecolabelling of seafood, and aims to give clarity on seafood certification schemes. 

Michiel Fransen, Head of Standards & Science at the ASC, said: “With the ASC’s commitment to constant updates and stakeholder engagement, our standard has been a driving force behind improvements in salmon aquaculture. Achieving the GSSI benchmark is further evidence of the strength and the credibility of the standard.

“The ASC’s market-driven approach to improving standards in aquaculture means we are acutely aware how important it is that the industry and consumers understand and have confidence in the certification schemes behind the logos on their seafood.

The ASC’s standards have always included the social as well as environmental impacts of aquaculture for a more thorough measure of responsibility, so we look forward to the development of Benchmarking Criteria for social compliance schemes through the GSSI-SSCI collaboration.”

Herman Wisse, Managing Director, GSSI said: “This recognition shows that the Aquaculture Stewardship Council Certification and their Salmon Standard is in line with the FAO’s guidelines for aquaculture certification. The ASC recognition bolsters the GSSI Global Benchmark Tool in providing the seafood industry with clarity, credibility and choice in certified seafood, and we look forward to extending the scope of recognition and including other ASC Standards in the future.”

The ASC’s programme was judged against performance indicators for governance, operational management, supply chain traceability and auditing.

The ASC standard goes well beyond the criteria set by GSSI. The ASC programme was developed according to UN FAO guidelines and is the only aquaculture certification scheme to be recognised as a full member of the ISEAL Alliance, which requires inclusive and transparent standard setting. It is also the only global aquaculture standard to achieve the yellow ‘Good Alternative’ rating by the Monterey Bay Aquarium Seafood Watch programme.

Download the GSSI Benchmark Report

Confidental Infomation