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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.

Species Scope Extension Consultation: Atlantic Cod

Consultation period 20 May – 20 June 2025

ASC is consulting stakeholders on the addition of Atlantic cod into the ASC Certification Programme.

Specifically, we seek stakeholder input on:

  1. The project objectives, justification, scope, engagement plan and timeline
  2. Impacts of Atlantic cod production
  3. The applicability of ASC Salmon Standard V.1.4 to Atlantic cod
  4. Relevant species-specific metrics and indicators, including new proposed FFDR values for Atlantic cod

Please submit your feedback through the consultation survey 

This slide deck contains key background information on the consultion topics

Further resources are available for the stakeholder consultation

If you have any questions, please contact consultation@asc-aqua.org.

Species scope extension – Atlantic Cod: background

Why add Atlantic cod to the ASC Certification Programme?

There is increasing demand for ASC certification of Atlantic cod from both farmers and retailers. Atlantic cod is a logical addition to the ASC Certification Programme due to strong similarities with salmon farming in Norway. Most ASC Salmon Standard v1.4 criteria are also relevant to cod.

What impacts would be covered by adding Atlantic cod to the ASC Certification Programme?

By certifying Atlantic cod, ASC can drive improvements in farming practices, support environmental responsibility and promote fair working conditions in this sector of aquaculture. Key issues that would be addressed through the ASC Certification Programme include biodiversity loss, ecosystem impacts, the spread of disease and resource sustainability.

Approach

ASC is proposing firstly to adapt the ASC Salmon Standard v1.4 to include Atlantic cod (Gadus morhua) and then ultimately to integrate the species into the ASC Farm Standard v1.1 (see timeline).

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