Aquaculture Stewardship Council (ASC) Certification
What is ASC Certification?
The Aquaculture Stewardship Council (ASC) certification is a globally recognized program that sets standards for responsible and sustainable aquaculture practices. It aims to promote environmentally and socially responsible aquaculture operations while ensuring the production of safe and high-quality seafood.
The ASC certification program is designed to address key environmental and social impacts associated with aquaculture, such as habitat destruction, pollution, disease management, and labor conditions. It provides a framework for aquaculture producers to demonstrate their commitment to responsible practices and to meet the increasing demand for sustainably produced seafood.
ASC standards cover the following principles:
- Legal compliance (obeying the law, the legal right to be there).
- Preservation of the natural environment and biodiversity.
- Preservation of water resources.
- Preservation of the diversity of species and wild populations (e.g., preventing escapes which could pose a threat to wild fish).
- Responsible use of animal feed and other resources.
- Animal health (no unnecessary use of antibiotics and chemicals).
- Social responsibility (e.g. no child labour, health and safety of workers, freedom of assembly, community relations).
Benefits of ASC Certification?
The Aquaculture Stewardship Council (ASC) certification offers several significant benefits for aquaculture producers, the environment, and consumers. Here are some of the key advantages:
Environmental Sustainability
ASC certification promotes responsible and sustainable aquaculture practices that minimize negative impacts on the environment. Certified farms adhere to strict criteria regarding water quality, habitat conservation, waste management, and the use of chemicals and antibiotics.
Social Responsibility
ASC certification takes into account social aspects of aquaculture, including fair labor practices, worker safety, and community engagement. Certified farms are required to provide decent working conditions, ensure fair wages, and respect the rights of their employees.
Market Access and Premium Prices
ASC certification opens up access to environmentally conscious markets and buyers who prioritize sustainable seafood. The ASC logo acts as a recognizable and trusted symbol for consumers seeking responsibly sourced products.
Consumer Confidence and Transparency
The ASC certification offers consumers peace of mind by providing a credible and transparent assurance of responsible aquaculture practices.
Continuous Improvement
The ASC certification process encourages ongoing improvement in aquaculture practices. Farms must undergo regular audits and assessments to maintain their certification, which drives continuous learning and refinement of operations.
Collaboration and Knowledge Sharing
ASC certification facilitates collaboration and knowledge sharing among stakeholders in the aquaculture industry. Producers, scientists, NGOs, and other actors come together to establish and refine the ASC standards, ensuring they remain up-to-date and effective.
Who can get ASC Certification?
Seafood Farm
Seafood Processors
Seafood Storage
Seafood Retailers
Documents Required for ASC Certification?
- System Manual
- System Procedure
- Policy
- Objectives
- Mission & Vision
- Standard Operating Procedure (SOP)
- Checklist
- Forms
- Formats
- Records
The extent of Documented Information differs as per:
- Organization’s size
- Activities performed by the organization
- Processes undertaken by the Organization
- Products and services offered by the organization
- The complexity of processes undertaken
- Competence of persons involved
Role of Shamkris and Process of ASC Certification
Shamkris adopts a results-oriented approach to effective system implementation in the organization. A simple and practical method of system implementation helps organizations increase business efficiency and sustainability. Shamkris supports 100% documentation to obtain a certificate of success in addition to enhanced performance.
The implementation process is described below:
Time Frame
Task
Process
Day 1
GAP Analysis
Certification Body
Selection
Cost Estimates
- Finding the GAP between existing system related to ASC requirements
- Selecting the appropriate certification Body
- Based on the scope of your business & certification Body you choose
Week 1
Developing Documents
- Management System Manual, Management System Procedures, Policy, Objectives, Forms etc.
- Review of Standard Operating Procedures (SOP)
Week 4
Implementing Management System
- ASC Awareness training for the top management and staff
- Implementing a well-documented management system throughout the organization
Week 8
Internal Audit
MRM
CAPA
- Internal audits identifying nonconformities related to ASC requirements
- Management Review Meetings
- Corrective and Preventive Action plan for nonconformities
Week 10
Certtification Body
Audit
N-C Closing
- Shamkris acts on your behalf and assists you in the third-party audit
- Closing of any nonconformities identified by the certification Body
Week 12
Certification Body
- ASC certificates issued for 5 years
- Surveillance Audits yearly
Year on Year
Yearly Compliance
- Support of Yearly documentation for audit
Validity of ASC Certification?
5 Years
FAQ
ASC stands for Aquaculture Stewardship Council.
ASC certification is a globally recognized program that sets standards for responsible and sustainable aquaculture practices. It ensures that aquaculture operations meet strict criteria related to environmental, social, and traceability requirements.
ASC certification is important because it promotes environmentally and socially responsible aquaculture practices, contributes to the conservation of aquatic ecosystems, and provides consumers with confidence in the seafood they purchase.
To obtain ASC certification, aquaculture farms must undergo a thorough assessment process conducted by independent third-party auditors. This process includes on-site inspections, document reviews, and stakeholder consultations to ensure compliance with ASC standards.
ASC certification covers various species including finfish (salmon, trout, tilapia, etc.), shellfish (oysters, mussels, clams, scallops, etc.), and crustaceans (shrimp, prawns, crabs, etc.).
ASC certification is available to aquaculture producers of all sizes, from small-scale farms to large commercial operations, irrespective of their geographical location. It is open to farms in both developed and developing countries.
ASC certification offers benefits such as promoting environmental sustainability, demonstrating social responsibility, accessing premium markets, building consumer confidence, driving continuous improvement, and facilitating collaboration within the aquaculture industry.
Yes, farms that have obtained ASC certification are allowed to use the ASC logo on their products and promotional materials as a symbol of compliance with the highest sustainability standards.
ASC certification is valid for a specific period, typically three to five years, after which the farm must undergo a reassessment to maintain the certification.
ASC-certified products may command premium prices due to their sustainable and responsible production methods. However, prices can vary depending on market dynamics and other factors.