Cod swimming.
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Atlantic cod officially added to ASC certification programme
The Aquaculture Stewardship Council (ASC) has formally launched certification for farmed Atlantic cod. The development follows last month’s announcement that cod would soon be added to the ASC programme under its revised Salmon and Cod Standard v1.5.
This means that cod producers can now already apply for ASC certification, the ASC confirmed, with the move billed as timely, with global demand for cod continuing to rise while wild-capture quotas decline.
ASC CEO Chris Ninnes said the incorporation of cod within the organisation’s salmon certification standard came after extensive stakeholder input.
“We are delighted to officially welcome Atlantic cod into the ASC Certification Programme. This launch is not only a milestone for responsible aquaculture but also a testament to the valuable input we received from stakeholders throughout the consultation process,” Ninnes said. “Together, we are helping build a future where cod aquaculture can thrive responsibly.”
Cod joins salmon under revised standard
The updated standard brings cod under the same framework as salmon, without altering existing requirements for salmon producers, the ASC confirmed. Cod farms will initially be assessed against a modified ASC Salmon Standard, with the idea that this will enable faster access to certification.
Under the plan, cod farming operations will have a two-year transition period before being fully incorporated into the ASC Farm Standard, aligning with other certified species. According to ASC, the similarities between salmon and cod production mean the existing standard provides a “smooth and practical pathway” for producers seeking certification.
The programme continues to address key sustainability issues such as biodiversity protection, disease management, efficient resource use and ecosystem impacts.
Focus on welfare and responsible production
Although cod remains a relatively new aquaculture species, ASC said its existing welfare provisions already cover core areas such as water quality, feeding, health management, and humane slaughter. These requirements are designed to ensure “good welfare outcomes for cod,” while the organisation will monitor new scientific findings and update standards if necessary.
ASC said the expansion of certification will help improve farming practices, environmental management, and labour conditions across the cod sector.
The certification rollout follows years of research and consultation with industry stakeholders, and builds on ASC’s efforts to support sustainable aquaculture as wild cod stocks face increasing pressure, the organisation said.
The news follows recent advice from the International Council for the Exploration of the Sea (ICES) advising zero catch for North Sea cod in 2026, warning that even with a complete closure of the fishery, the risk of the southern North Sea cod population dropping below critical limits by 2027 is still predicted to be 44%.
