Aquaculture Stewardship Council Expands Certification to Atlantic Cod

The Aquaculture Stewardship Council (ASC) has announced a major expansion of its certification program with the exciting launch of Atlantic cod certification. This initiative is part of the newly revised ASC Salmon and Cod Standard v1.5, which is effective immediately. Cod producers can now begin applying for ASC certification, marking a significant step towards promoting responsible aquaculture practices.

Addressing Global Demand for Farmed Cod

This expansion comes at a pivotal moment as quotas for wild-caught cod are declining, while the global demand for this species continues to rise. Cultivating farmed Atlantic cod is becoming essential in ensuring a sustainable and stable supply. The integration of cod into the ASC certification program aims to enhance farming practices, promote environmental accountability, and guarantee fair and safe working conditions within the industry.

Insights from Leadership

Chris Ninnes, CEO of ASC, expressed the organization’s excitement: “We are delighted to officially welcome Atlantic cod into the ASC Certification Programme. This launch is not just a milestone for responsible aquaculture; it reflects the valuable feedback we received from stakeholders during the consultation process. Their insights have been crucial in developing a standard that aligns with the realities of cod farming while maintaining the highest environmental and social standards.”

Impact on Salmon Producers

No Change for Salmon Producers
The revised standard brings cod into the program alongside salmon without altering existing requirements for salmon producers. Initially, cod farms will be assessed using a modified version of the ASC Salmon Standard, allowing for quicker access to certification.

Transitioning to the ASC Farm Standard

Two-Year Transition Period
Atlantic cod has been introduced into the ASC Salmon Standard, allowing cod farmers the same two-year transition period to the new ASC Farm Standard as current certified producers. After this period, Atlantic cod will be fully integrated into the ASC Farm Standard, which adequately addresses vital sustainability issues such as biodiversity maintenance, disease management, resource efficiency, and ecosystem impacts.

Prioritizing Cod Welfare

Supporting Cod Welfare
While cod is relatively new to aquaculture, the Salmon Standard already encompasses essential components of animal welfare, including health management and provision of a healthy living environment. The ASC Farm Standard adds further specific requirements that apply across all fish species, thereby ensuring welfare standards are upheld, regardless of the species being farmed.

Key welfare areas—such as water quality, feeding protocols, health management, handling, and slaughter processes—are all addressed, contributing to positive welfare outcomes for cod. As cod aquaculture evolves, ASC is committed to monitoring emerging research and species-specific welfare concerns, integrating necessary changes into future revisions of the Standard.

Learn More

For further information on Atlantic cod certification, please visit this link.