Australia's first barramundi farm earns ASC certification

Humpty Doo Barramundi has become the first barramundi farm in Australia to obtain Aquaculture Stewardship Council (ASC) certification, and therefore meets the association's globally recognised standards.

This Australian aquaculture farm, located in the Northern Territory, has an innovative saltwater wetland wastewater treatment system that mimics natural tidal and mangrove environments.

The way it reuses water through a closed-loop wetland network reduces its impact on natural waterways while transforming nutrients into plant and algal growth.

Furthermore, its location on the Adelaide River floodplains means the farm is shaped by its tropical environment, something that can be highly appealing to chefs who value provenance, flavour, and responsible production. It is worth noting that Australians consume more than 350,000 tonnes of seafood each year.

"This is a proud moment for Australian aquaculture. Humpty Doo Barramundi's certification is more than a national first; it represents the future of aquaculture. This achievement sets a precedent for the industry and ensures that consumers in Australia and beyond can access responsibly farmed barramundi," assured ASC Market Development Manager Australia Ellie Dixon.

Also, Dan Richards, owner and CEO of Humpty Doo, expressed: "Strong environmental practice and high-quality aquaculture have guided our family business for more than 30 years, and this certification confirms that our approach meets the world’s most trusted benchmark for responsible farming."

From now on, retailers will be able to source ASC-certified Australian barramundi for the first time, supermarkets will offer more transparent and responsibly sourced products, and Australia will strengthen its role as a producer of more responsibly farmed seafood.