Transforming Aquaculture Standards: Latest Updates from ASC and MSC

Introduction: The Urgency of ASC & MSC in the Fisheries Industry

The aquaculture and fisheries industry is under increasing scrutiny to ensure the sustainability of marine resources and the well-being of communities that depend on them. Two key certification bodies leading the charge in responsible seafood production are the Aquaculture Stewardship Council (ASC) and the Marine Stewardship Council (MSC). Recent updates to these standards introduce significant changes aimed at enhancing transparency, environmental sustainability, and social responsibility across the aquaculture and fisheries supply chain.

This article explores the key updates in the new ASC Farm Standard, which consolidates species-specific standards into a unified framework, and MSC’s latest initiative to accelerate progress in sustainable fishing practices.

ASC’s New Farm Standard: A Unified Approach to Aquaculture Sustainability

ASC has integrated twelve species-specific standards into a single ASC Farm Standard, providing a more structured and consistent approach across all certified aquaculture sectors. This consolidation enhances clarity and facilitates the inclusion of new species into the ASC program.

Four Core Principles of the ASC Farm Standard

The new standard is built around four key principles:

Farm Management – Establishes governance and legal compliance requirements for aquaculture units.
Environmental Responsibility – Covers measures to mitigate aquaculture’s impact on ecosystems, water quality, and wildlife.
Social Responsibility – Ensures workers' rights, fair wages, and ethical working conditions.
Fish Welfare – Implements stringent animal health and welfare guidelines.

Implementation Timeline

2016-2022: Stakeholder consultations.
2023: Pilot testing and additional consultations.
2024: Finalization of the standard.
2025: Full implementation with a transition period.

These updates not only strengthen regulations but also provide clearer guidance for aquaculture farms to adopt more sustainable practices.

MSC & MarinTrust Partnership: Strengthening the Marine Ingredient Supply Chain

To improve efficiency and transparency in the marine ingredient supply chain, Marine Stewardship Council (MSC) and MarinTrust have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU). This agreement aims to reduce audit duplication and create synergies between their certification programs.

Impact of the MoU on the Industry

Mutual Recognition: MSC and MarinTrust will explore ways to align certification requirements for improved efficiency.
Streamlined Audits: Reducing complexity and redundancy in auditing processes for marine ingredient producers.
Increased Transparency: Enhancing visibility into responsible sourcing of marine ingredients.

This collaboration is crucial in meeting the growing demand for responsibly sourced marine ingredients and strengthening global certification standards.

MSC’s New Initiative: The Fisheries Improvement Program

MSC has launched the Fisheries Improvement Program to accelerate the transition of global fisheries towards sustainability. The program is designed to help fisheries that do not yet meet MSC standards by providing structured support and incentives to improve their practices over a five-year period.

Key Objectives of the Program

Encouraging fisheries to enhance sustainability practices.
Implementing independent verification to track measurable improvements.
Ensuring that only fully compliant fisheries gain access to MSC-certified supply chains.

With over 38% of global fish stocks classified as overfished, this program represents a critical step in addressing one of the most pressing challenges in the fisheries industry.

Conclusion: The Future of Sustainable Seafood

The updates in the ASC Farm Standard, the MSC-MarinTrust partnership, and the launch of MSC’s Fisheries Improvement Program highlight the industry’s increasing commitment to sustainability. These initiatives not only contribute to ocean health but also secure the long-term viability of communities dependent on fisheries and aquaculture.

Industry stakeholders, governments, and consumers all play a vital role in supporting these initiatives by choosing ASC- and MSC-certified products and advocating for more widespread adoption of sustainable practices throughout the global seafood supply chain.