Aquaculture Stewardship Council CEO Chris Ninnes.
Photo: ASC
The Aquaculture Stewardship Council (ASC) formally launched its new Farm Standard yesterday in Barcelona, at a special event during the world's largest seafood trade fair, Seafood Expo Global 2025.
The organization describes the updated framework "as a monumental step" which will accelerate "change for Fish, Farm, People, and Planet". The ASC Farm Standard consolidates multiple species-specific certification standards into a single, unified system. According to ASC, this new approach is designed to boost efficiency for producers, broaden accessibility, and improve accountability across the aquaculture sector.
Chris Ninnes, CEO of ASC, unveiled the standard on 7 May, joined by industry leaders including Sophie Ryan, CEO of the Global Salmon Initiative (GSI), Oliver Spring, Sustainability Manager at Nomad Foods Group, and David Parker, Head of Sustainability at UK supermarket retailer Sainsbury’s. Together, the panel provided insights into the potential impacts of the standard across the seafood supply chain.
“Seafood Expo Global is always a great event and one we look forward to every year. This year will be our busiest year ever at the show, with numerous collaborations and announcements over the three days," Ninnes said a press release.
“It’s an exciting time as we launch the ASC Farm Standard which is the culmination of years of innovation and industry collaboration. We truly believe the Farm Standard will accelerate change towards more sustainable seafood production worldwide," he added.
A two-year transition period has now begun, giving producers the option to adopt the new framework early or continue with existing standards during the adjustment phase. ASC will offer training, tools, and support throughout the transition, and plans to highlight early adopters as examples of best practice.
The ASC noted its new standard was developed through several years of scientific research, stakeholder consultation, and industry collaboration, and incorporates updated requirements related to biodiversity conservation, ethical working conditions, community engagement, and adaptable farming practices.
"This change ensures that ASC certified farms more effectively meet market demands, regulatory requirements, and sustainability goals - while maintaining the highest level of accountability. It also embeds a commitment to data sharing and continuous improvement, with various mechanisms and support to enable them, that helps further drive industry-wide change," the ASC stated in advance of the launch.
"It’s more than just an update to our programme - it’s a bold step that’s paving the way for meaningful and long-lasting change, accelerating progress towards a more sustainable seafood industry," the organization said.
