ASC Launches Stakeholder Consultation to Revise Chain of Custody Module

The Aquaculture Stewardship Council (ASC) has announced the initiation of a 30-day stakeholder consultation aimed at updating the ASC Chain of Custody (CoC) Module. This consultation will begin on May 29 and conclude on June 29, 2025. ASC is actively seeking input from stakeholders on various critical topics.

Enhancing Human Rights Protections

A primary objective of the revised CoC Module is to enhance the management of human rights risks within the seafood supply chain. Clare Stevens, the ASC Human Rights Team Lead, emphasized, “Human rights are as central to the ASC mission as environmental responsibility. Processing is a high-risk area for labor abuses and poor working conditions, and we aim to fortify protections across the supply chain.”

Animal Welfare Considerations

Another significant aspect of the consultation will include the implementation of animal welfare slaughter requirements. In many cases, slaughter occurs beyond the farm at primary processing sites. The updated CoC Module will address these practices, ensuring alignment with the existing ASC Farm Standard.

Maria Filipa Castanheira, the ASC Standards Manager for Health and Welfare, noted, “This addition will ensure that regardless of where slaughtering occurs in ASC-certified supply chains, strict animal welfare requirements will be enforced.”

Additional Topics for Discussion

The stakeholder consultation will also consider potential enhancements to food safety requirements and alignment with the Marine Stewardship Council’s CoC criteria. Moreover, topics such as digital traceability and improved supply chain assurance for ASC Improver Programme products will be examined.

Who Should Participate?

ASC is eager to gather feedback from a diverse array of participants, including:

• Supply chain companies
• Processors and packers
• Retailers
• Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs)
• Union representatives
• Auditors and assurance providers

Engagement from these stakeholders is crucial for shaping the revisions effectively and ensuring that all voices are heard.

You can access the consultation here.

Image credit: ASC