Shamkris Global Group

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?

The extent of Documented Information differs as per:

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

Week 1

Developing Documents

Week 4

Implementing Management System

Week 8

Internal Audit
MRM
CAPA

Week 10

Certtification Body
Audit
N-C Closing

Week 12

Certification Body

Year on Year

Yearly Compliance

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.