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Species Extension Project: Pike-perch
In 2021, the ASC Board identified and approved several priority species to be added to the ASC programme. This included pike-perch (Sander lucioperca), which was chosen as a pilot species to trial the Species Scope Extension Process. As part of this procedure, ASC developed a supplementary module which expanded the portfolio of species currently covered by ASC and was developed using indicators from the existing ASC species-specific Standards.
The goal of the module is to measurably improve the environmental and social performance of aquaculture operations for Pike-perch – establishing best practices and requiring site-specific improvements where possible. This approach sets a baseline for producers who are not currently addressing environmental and social impacts.
The project runs concurrently with the ASC Farm Standard development and the module is an interim measure to allow the certification of Sander lucioperca, bridging the gap ahead of the release of the aligned ASC Farm Standard which will come into effect in Autumn 2025. Producers will then comply with the ASC Farm Standard which will include species-specific metrics in the Farm Standard Annex.
Contact person: Fabiola Mustafaj
For accessing My ASC, click the button below. In My ASC it is also possible to submit the data reporting requirements for certified farms
[Page last updated on 15.01.2024]
Pike-perch 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 pike-perch 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 Pike-Perch module helps protect farms against these issues:
Biodiversity
ASC certified pike-perch minimise impacts on the local ecosystem in a number of ways, such as ensuring that farms are not sited in areas with key biological or ecological functions. No harm to threatened or endangered species or the habitat on which they depend is allowed. Escapes need to be minimised and solid management plans need to be implemented to ensure this.
Feed
ASC certification requires pike-perch farms to adhere to strict limits to minimise use of wild fish as an ingredient for feed. In addition, the module requires farms to ensure full traceability back to a certified source, both for wild fish and soy.
Pollution
ASC certified pike-perch farms are required to measure various water parameters (phosphorus, oxygen levels, etc.) at regular intervals and remain within set limits. Responsible farming can only take place in healthy water bodies.
Diseases
ASC certified pike-perch farms must adhere to rigorous requirements to minimise disease outbreaks. A Fish Health Management Plan must be developed under supervision of a veterinarian and implemented on the farm. This plan details steps for biosecurity management. In addition, chemical antimicrobial treatments before a disease is diagnosed (prophylactic use), is prohibited.
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. Regular consultation with surrounding communities about potential social impacts from the farm and proper processing of complaints are also required by certified farms.
More information
- Read the Terms of Reference (ToR) here.
- ASC launches Stakeholder Consultation on two major criteria of the ASC Farm Standard and Pike-perch Module
- New Pike-perch Module Expands ASC Species Coverage
- Exploring New Horizons: Advancements in Responsible Aquaculture and Species Diversity – Article on the European Aquaculture Society’s Magazine
Consultation period:
- January 18 – February 18, 2023
- Status: Closed
ToR Consultation
Consultation period:
- 1 March – 30 April 2023
- Status: Closed