AQUACULTURE STEWARDSHIP COUNCIL - ASC SALMON

The Aquaculture Stewardship Council (ASC) is an independent non-profit organization that sets standards and certifies responsible and sustainable aquaculture practices. The ASC Salmon standard specifically focuses on promoting sustainable salmon farming and ensuring the environmental and social responsibility of salmon aquaculture operations. The ASC Salmon standard was developed through a multi-stakeholder process involving industry experts, scientists, NGOs, and other relevant stakeholders. The standard covers a range of criteria, including water quality management, feed sourcing and composition, disease and parasite control, and social welfare of workers. Salmon farms that adhere to the ASC Salmon standard can undergo an independent assessment by accredited certifiers to obtain ASC certification. The certification process involves on-site inspections, document reviews, and compliance assessments against the ASC Salmon standard's requirements. By obtaining ASC certification, salmon farms demonstrate their commitment to environmentally sustainable practices, responsible resource management, and social accountability. It provides assurance to consumers that the salmon they purchase comes from farms that operate in an environmentally and socially responsible manner. The ASC Salmon standard is designed to address key environmental and social challenges associated with salmon farming, such as the protection of local ecosystems, the reduction of antibiotic use, the responsible sourcing of feed ingredients, and the fair treatment of workers. It aims to minimize the industry's impact on the environment and communities while promoting the long-term sustainability of salmon production. In addition to the ASC Salmon standard, the Aquaculture Stewardship Council has developed similar standards for other farmed seafood species, including shrimp, tilapia, and abalone. Each standard undergoes regular reviews and updates to ensure continuous improvement and alignment with the latest scientific knowledge and industry best practices. Overall, the ASC Salmon standard and the Aquaculture Stewardship Council play a crucial role in promoting responsible and sustainable salmon farming practices. Through their certification and labeling system, they provide consumers with a reliable way to make informed choices and support the production of salmon that meets rigorous environmental and social standards.