Aquaculture Certification (ASC)

What is this programme?

ASC covers farming/aquaculture operations and feed mills — wild-capture fisheries are MSC's subject, not ASC's. 2,640 ASC-certified farm sites, 120 ASC-certified feed mills, ASC-labelled products available in 121 countries (asc-aqua.org, as of 2026-08-23).

Who is it for?

Aquaculture/fish farms, feed mills and seafood supply chain businesses.

Who issues the certificate?

Independent Conformity Assessment Bodies (CABs) carry out audits; ASC's Integrity Services Provider, Assurance Services International (ASI), accredits and oversees these CABs — in ASC's own words: 'Working with Assurance Services International (ASI) to effectively and efficiently oversee performance of accredited CABs and their auditors.'

What to verify before you accept it

Confirm the certificate was issued by an ASI-accredited CAB against the ASC standard; do not confuse with MSC (wild-capture fisheries).

What triggers an assessment?

• The ASC label is targeted for an aquaculture/farming operation.
• A buyer or retailer names ASC certification specifically.

What does it not replace?

• Not the same scheme as MSC; MSC covers wild-capture fisheries, ASC covers farmed aquaculture.
• Historical details such as founding year (2010, WWF/IDH) were not confirmed in this round and are not asserted.