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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.

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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.

The pangasius standard

Pangasius farmers face a number of issues in bringing their seafood to market. With ASC certification, farmers evidence their contributions to responsible labour practices, disease management, and ecosystem conservation.

ASC sets the standards for environmentally and socially responsible pangasius farming.

Certified farms actively minimise their impact on the surrounding natural environment.

Certified farms operate in a socially responsible manner, care for their employees and work with the local community.

ASC certification gives farms clear guidelines to follow. The Pangasius Standard helps protect farms against these issues:

Biodiversity

ASC certified pangasius farms minimise impacts on the local ecosystem in a number of ways. They can be located only in approved areas for aquaculture and they need to prove they do not impact endangered species. Fish escapes must be minimised and trapping devices are installed to recapture any fish that do escape. Since pangasius farms often use water from surrounding sources, limits are set for how much of this water can be allocated to the farm.

Feed

ASC certification requires pangasius farms to adhere to strict criteria for the use of wild fish as an ingredient for feed. Fishmeal and fish oil products sourced for feed must be ISEAL certified. In addition, the standard requires farms to ensure full traceability back to a certified source for ingredients from wild fish.

Pollution

ASC certified pangasius farms are required to measure various water parameters (nitrogen, phosphorus, oxygen levels, etc.) and remain within set limits. Treatment systems for waste and sludge need to comply with strict requirements before discharging can occur.

Diseases

ASC certified pangasius farms must adhere to rigorous requirements to minimise disease outbreaks. A health plan must be developed under supervision of an aquatic animal health specialist and implemented. This plan details steps for biosecurity management. In addition, the use of medicine before a disease is diagnosed (prophylactic use), and the use of medicines as growth promoter are prohibited. A producer can only use approved medicines, no antibiotics critical for human health are allowed, and all treatments (also in the hatchery) need to be disclosed. Mortalities need to be monitored carefully.

Social

ASC certification imposes strict requirements based on the core principles of the International Labour Organisation (ILO), these include prohibiting the use of child labour or any form of forced labour. All ASC certified farms are safe and equitable working environments where employees earn a decent wage and have regulated working hours. In addition, certified producers liaise directly with communities to solve conflicts and complaints and recruit workforce from the local community above migratory workers.

Standard documents

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