Provide input

We are a transparent and inclusive organisation and we want to work directly with you to improve the aquaculture industry. There are several ways for you to contribute to the development and operations of the ASC and we always welcome any feedback!

Engage in our programme development consultations!

Twice a year, the ASC invites all interested stakeholders to provide input to programme improvements: developments of new ASC standards or proposed revisions to existing standards, as well as changes to our assurance system.

If you would like to receive more information about our public consultation period, get in touch with our staff or visit this webpage.

Provide your input during a farm Certification Process

The ASC process offers relevant stakeholders (e.g. those directly affected by a farm’s operation) the possibility to contact the auditor or Conformity Assessment Body (CAB) directly, to provide input at various stages during the ASC certification process. CAB contact details for each ASC assessment can be found here, searching the farm using the filters and viewing the audit documents.

The CAB must take this information into account when assessing the farm, including when making the certification decision. ASC’s procedures have been developed to be as fair, inclusive and transparent as possible. Sometimes different views may arise, and parties shall initially strive to settle these in an informal manner.

Do you have complaints and appeals relating to CAB certification activities?

If the interested stakeholder and CAB cannot reach agreement informally, the stakeholder can file an official appeal or complaint with the CAB, following the CAB’s complaints procedure – all ASC accredited CABs must have this in place and it can be found on their websites. This procedure is expected to result in a satisfactory solution in the majority of cases.

When no agreement is reached above, follow ASI’s Complaints Procedure

If the stakeholder’s complaint has not been satisfactorily addressed by the CAB, the stakeholder can file a complaint against the CAB with Assurance Services International (ASI) following the ASI Complaints procedure found here.

Do you need to report an incident?

Stakeholders can report activities, observations, or concerns about ASC certified companies that they consider to be a threat to the reputation and/or integrity of the ASC’s Certification Programme. Follow the ASI Incident Handling Procedure here.

Complaints about the ASC programme?

If a stakeholder wishes to raise a complaint about the ASC organisation or the standard setting procedure which is not related to a specific certification process(es), the ASC Complaints Procedure shall be followed.

To report misuse of the ASC logo, visit this page.

Whistleblowing

ASC is committed to conducting its business with honesty and integrity and, in turn, expects all employees to maintain high standards of conduct. ASC employees can report known or suspected serious misconduct or malpractice within ASC in accordance with the ASC Whistleblowing Policy.

Request a new species

You can help us with this by telling us which species you think ASC should consider certifying in the future. If you have a particular species in mind please use the link below.

New Species Request Form

ASC Stakeholder Survey

As part of our commitment to continuous improvement, from 2022 onwards we will be running an annual stakeholder survey to identify where ASC is doing well, areas where improvements could be made and where future challenges and opportunities lie – both for ASC as an organisation and for the sector as a whole. By running this survey annually, we hope to measure how we are performing over a longer period, as well as using the survey results to inform strategic decision-making and as an early-warning mechanism to flag future challenges or risks to us. Our stakeholder survey will be communicated and promoted both prior to and during the exercise. We welcome feedback from stakeholders across all sectors.