Aquaculture Stewardship Council

The Aquaculture Stewardship Council (ASC) is an independent, nonprofit certification program that sets and verifies standards for responsible aquaculture farming and seafood supply chains. Farms and businesses are assessed by accredited third-party auditors against rigorous criteria covering environmental impact, social responsibility, and food safety. Those that meet the standards earn the right to carry the ASC ecolabel on their products.

The program is designed for aquaculture farms, seafood processors, and supply chain businesses of all sizes operating globally. It is particularly relevant for exporters and producers targeting retail and foodservice buyers in European, North American, and Asian markets, where sustainability credentials are increasingly required or preferred by major purchasing organizations. The standard-setting process follows ISEAL Alliance guidelines, lending the program strong credibility with buyers, regulators, and civil society.

For certified businesses, ASC certification provides a verifiable signal of compliance with internationally recognized environmental and social benchmarks. Beyond market access and the ability to command premium pricing, certification typically drives operational improvements, reduces environmental footprint, and strengthens trust with customers and stakeholders throughout the supply chain.