Standard Owner Benchmark - AQUACULTURE STEWARDSHIP COUNCIL - ASC

The Aquaculture Stewardship Council (ASC) is an independent, non-profit organization that promotes environmentally and socially responsible aquaculture practices. The organization was founded in 2010 and is based in the Netherlands.

The ASC operates a certification program for farmed seafood products that meet strict environmental and social standards. The program covers a range of species, including salmon, shrimp, tilapia, and trout, and is designed to ensure that aquaculture is practiced in a way that is sustainable and socially responsible.

The ASC's certification standards are based on a set of principles and criteria that cover a range of environmental and social issues, including:

Habitat and water quality: The ASC's standards require farms to operate in a way that protects and conserves natural habitats and maintains water quality.

Feed and food: The ASC's standards require farms to use feed that is responsibly sourced and does not contribute to overfishing or other environmental problems.

Animal health and welfare: The ASC's standards require farms to take steps to ensure the health and welfare of the farmed animals.

Social responsibility: The ASC's standards require farms to respect human rights, comply with labor laws, and engage with local communities.

The ASC certification program is voluntary, and farms that meet the standards can display the ASC logo on their products. The program is designed to provide consumers with a way to identify seafood products that are responsibly farmed and to encourage the aquaculture industry to adopt more sustainable and socially responsible practices.

In addition to its certification program, the ASC also works to promote sustainable aquaculture practices through a range of initiatives and partnerships. Some of the ASC's key initiatives include:

Consumer awareness campaigns: The ASC works to educate consumers about the benefits of responsibly farmed seafood and the importance of choosing products that are certified by the ASC.

Industry engagement: The ASC works with companies and organizations in the aquaculture industry to promote best practices and encourage adoption of the ASC's standards.

Research and development: The ASC invests in research to develop new and innovative solutions for sustainable aquaculture, such as new feed sources and more efficient farming methods.

Partnerships and collaborations: The ASC works with a range of stakeholders, including governments, NGOs, and other organizations, to promote sustainable aquaculture practices and improve the environmental and social performance of the industry.