Atlantic cod joins ASC programme

According to the farmed seafood certifier, the expansion comes at a crucial time. It highlighted that with quotas for wild-caught cod declining and global demand on the rise, farmed Atlantic cod is becoming essential to ensuring a stable, sustainable supply.

“This launch is not only a milestone for responsible aquaculture but also a testament to the valuable input we received from stakeholders throughout the consultation process. Their expertise and feedback have been essential in ensuring the standard reflects the realities of cod farming while upholding the highest environmental and social benchmarks. Together, we are helping build a future where cod aquaculture can thrive responsibly,” ASC CEO Chris Ninnes said.

The revised standard introduces cod alongside salmon without altering existing requirements for salmon producers. Cod farms will initially be assessed against a modified ASC Salmon Standard, enabling rapid access to certification.

Atlantic Cod has been added to the scope of the ASC Salmon Standard initially, allowing cod farmers the same transition period to the new Farm Standard as existing certified producers. After the two-year transition period, Atlantic cod will be fully integrated into the ASC Farm Standard. 

ASC advised that because salmon and cod farming practices are similar in many aspects, the Salmon Standard ensures a smooth and practical pathway to certification. It said the programme addresses core sustainability issues such as biodiversity protection, disease management, resource efficiency and ecosystem impacts.

Although cod is a relatively new species in aquaculture, the Salmon Standard already covers core areas of animal welfare such as health management and healthy living environment. The ASC Farm Standard further expands these general requirements that apply to all fish species, ensuring that welfare is maintained across farms regardless of the species being produced. These requirements cover key areas such as water quality, feeding, health and welfare management, handling, and slaughter – all of which support good welfare outcomes for cod.

As cod farming continues to develop, ASC said it will monitor emerging insights and any species-specific welfare concerns, incorporating them into future versions of the Standard if needed.