ASC expands species coverage with pike-perch

The Pike-perch Module is part of ASC’s Scope Extension Project, which is adding more species to the ASC programme as part of its commitment to increase the number of ASC-certified farmed seafood products. New species, such as pike-perch, are added to the programme based on consumer demand, market development opportunity or producer interest. 

ASC Research Coordinator Fabiola Mustafaj said pike-perch (Sander lucioperca) consumption is on the rise, and with it has come increased producer demand from Europe for certification. 

“The development of the Pike-perch Module is a milestone for ASC and proves its commitment to diversification of species as we continue to grow and make ASC certification more relevant and accessible to farmers.

“Farms using the module will improve their environmental and social performance through ASC’s robust standards and will ensure responsibly farmed pike-perch product is available to the market,” Mustafaj said.

The ASC Pike-perch Module was approved by the ASC Technical Advisory Group (TAG) in January 2023. Following stakeholder consultation in March and April 2023, feedback was evaluated and incorporated into the final version of the module in May 2023.