Aquaculture Stewardship Council Recognized as a Top Ecolabel by Milieu Centraal

The Aquaculture Stewardship Council (ASC) has achieved recognition once more as a Top Ecolabel by the independent Dutch organization Milieu Centraal. This accolade reinforces ASC’s position as the leading global certifier for responsible aquaculture practices.

Milieu Centraal’s Review Process

Milieu Centraal, backed by the Dutch government, evaluates consumer-facing ecolabels every three years. The organization assesses factors such as credibility, transparency, and overall impact. In their latest results, published on September 30, ASC continues to uphold its reputation as a trusted certification for responsibly farmed seafood.

Updates to Benchmarking Methodology

This recognition follows significant updates made to Milieu Centraal’s benchmarking methodology since the prior assessment in 2022. The 2025 evaluation included the new ASC Farm Standard, which consolidates and strengthens requirements across all certified farms. Consequently, ASC stands out as the only Top Ecolabel dedicated to farmed fish and seafood that addresses environmental responsibility, social accountability, and fish welfare.

Statements from ASC’s Leadership

Chris Ninnes, CEO of ASC, expressed pride in the continued recognition from Milieu Centraal, stating, “We are proud that Milieu Centraal continues to recognize ASC as a leading ecolabel. Their independent assessment confirms the robustness of our new Farm Standard and reflects our mission to drive improvements in aquaculture worldwide. It is further reassurance for consumers that ASC-certified seafood is produced with care for the environment, workers, and communities.”

Implications for Seafood Consumers

For seafood shoppers, ASC’s status as a Top Ecolabel provides clear and independent confirmation that selecting seafood with the ASC label ensures support for farms meeting the highest standards of responsibility. It instills confidence among consumers that their purchases contribute to environmental protection, equitable working conditions, and healthy communities, thereby making sustainable choices easier at the supermarket.

Commitment to Continuous Improvement

The designation as a Top Ecolabel highlights ASC’s continuous commitment to enhancing aquaculture practices and reinforces its vital role in guiding consumers towards informed and responsible seafood purchases.