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:
- The project objectives, justification, scope, engagement plan and timeline
- Impacts of Atlantic cod production
- The applicability of ASC Salmon Standard V.1.4 to Atlantic cod
- 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
- Project Terms of Reference
- Background document and metrics overview
- ASC Salmon Standard v1.4.1
- Offline copy of survey questions
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).