The Aquaculture Stewardship Council (ASC) has launched a 30-day stakeholder consultation to revise its Chain of Custody (CoC) Module.
Running from 29 May to 29 June 2025, the consultation aims to gather feedback on a number of proposed updates, including new measures for human rights protections and animal welfare.
One of the key focuses is enhancing how human rights risks are identified and addressed within the aquaculture supply chain, especially in high-risk areas like seafood processing.
“Human rights are as central to the ASC mission as environmental responsibility,” said Clare Stevens, ASC’s human rights team lead. “Processing is an area we want to focus on to strengthen protections throughout the supply chain.”
Another significant update includes the introduction of animal welfare requirements at slaughter, aligning the CoC module with the ASC Farm Standard. This change acknowledges that slaughter may occur beyond the farm, such as at processing facilities.
“This addition ensures that wherever slaughter occurs in ASC certified supply chains, the same strict animal welfare requirements will be enforced,” said Maria Filipa Castanheira, ASC standards manager for health and welfare.
The consultation will also explore potential improvements in food safety standards, greater alignment with Marine Stewardship Council CoC protocols, digital traceability and enhanced assurance for ASC Improver Programme products.
ASC encourages feedback from across the industry, including processors, retailers, NGOs, union representatives and auditors to shape a more responsible and transparent aquaculture supply chain.
