This article was featured in Eurofish Magazine 6 2025.
The Aquaculture Stewardship Council (ASC) has expanded its certification -programme to include Atlantic cod, marking a significant step towards strengthening responsible aquaculture. With quotas for wild-caught cod declining and demand continuing to grow, farmed cod is becoming vital to ensuring a stable and sustainable global supply. Chris Ninnes, CEO of ASC, described the development as a milestone for responsible aquaculture, emphasising that extensive stakeholder input shaped a standard that reflects the realities of cod farming while maintaining high environmental and
social benchmarks.
Atlantic cod will initially be certified under a modified ASC Salmon Standard, allowing producers rapid access to certification and a two-year transition period before full integration into the ASC Farm Standard. Because cod and salmon farming share many practices, this approach ensures a smooth adaptation process. The certification covers core sustainability areas, including biodiversity protection, disease management, resource efficiency, and ecosystem impacts. It also upholds strict requirements on water quality, feeding, health management, handling, and humane slaughter to ensure fish welfare. As the cod aquaculture sector evolves, ASC will continue to monitor developments and update its standards to maintain best practice and environmental integrity.
