The Aquaculture Stewardship Council (ASC) is set to launch its new ASC Farm Standard, with its release currently expected in May 2025.
This new framework will replace the existing species-specific standards and introduce a two-year transition period from the date of release, allowing certified aquaculture farms time to adapt to the updated requirements.
Key changes introduced by the ASC Farm Standard
The upcoming ASC Farm Standard is designed to enhance sustainability and accountability within the aquaculture sector. By replacing the current 12 species-specific standards covering 13 species groups, the new standard provides a streamlined approach applicable across various aquaculture operations.
One of the key benefits of this change is the harmonisation of certification requirements across different species, reducing the barriers to achieving successful certification. The previous siloed approach, with separate standards for each species group, could create complexities and inconsistencies for those looking to expand their certification. The new standard simplifies this by providing a single, more accessible framework, ensuring greater consistency and efficiency in the certification process.
The standard is structured around four core principles:
- Legal compliance and effective business management – ensuring aquaculture businesses operate within legal frameworks and maintain robust management systems.
- Environmental stewardship – promoting practices that minimise environmental impact, protect biodiversity and ensure the sustainable use of resources.
- Respecting and promoting human rights – upholding the rights and well-being of workers and communities associated with aquaculture operations.
- Responsible animal health and welfare practices – implementing measures that ensure the health and humane treatment of farmed aquatic animals.
This unified standard not only simplifies certification but also strengthens the approach to social and environmental responsibility, aligning with global sustainability goals.
Implications for certified organisations
Certified aquaculture farms will have a two-year transition period from the date of the ASC Farm Standard’s release to align their operations with the new requirements. During this period, farms may choose to comply with either the existing species-specific standards or the new unified standard. This flexibility ensures farms have sufficient time to adapt without disrupting their certification status.
While the precise details of the transition remain to be established, it is likely that Certificate Holders will need to be operating to the requirements of the new farm standard by the May 2027 mandatory date and that this will be examined at their next routine audit following that date.
In addition, ASC has extended the transition period for farms to switch to ASC-compliant feed. Originally set for January 2025, the deadline has now been extended to October 2025, allowing farms additional time to source feed from mills certified against the ASC feed standard.
LRQA’s commitment to supporting clients
At LRQA, we understand both the challenges and opportunities that come with transitioning to the new ASC Farm Standard. Our team of experts is dedicated to guiding and supporting both existing certified organisations and those seeking new certification.
Sam Dignan, Technical Head of Seafood at LRQA, highlights the significance of the changes and how LRQA is prepared to support clients through the transition:
“The new ASC Farm Standard is a major step forward for aquaculture certification which introduces important new principles, including Fish Welfare, to the ASC programme. By harmonising requirements across species and production methods, the new standard ensures that the requirements all farms need to meet to obtain, and retain, ASC certification are clear, relevant and consistent regardless of species farmed or production methods. The transition period provides certified farms with the time and flexibility to adapt and at LRQA, we are here to support organisations every step of the way; whether they are transitioning from an existing ASC certification or seeking certification for the first time.”
We are committed to providing tailored support to our clients throughout this transition, ensuring they meet the updated requirements and continue to demonstrate their commitment to responsible aquaculture practices.
Next steps for certified organisations
To navigate the transition effectively, certified organisations are encouraged to:
- Review the new standard when it is available – familiarise themselves with the ASC Farm Standard requirements and assess the implications for their operations.
- Develop transition plans – create comprehensive plans detailing the steps necessary to comply with the new standard within the allotted transition period.
- Engage with certification bodies – collaborate with certification bodies like LRQA to receive guidance, training and support throughout the transition process.
By proactively engaging with the ASC Farm Standard, aquaculture organisations can reinforce their commitment to sustainability, meet evolving market demands and contribute positively to environmental and social outcomes.
