Gloria Maris Côte d’Opale has become the first French seabass and seabream farm to achieve certification under the Aquaculture Stewardship Council (ASC) Seabream and Seabass standard.
The certification marks a significant milestone for French aquaculture, recognising the farm’s work to meet stringent requirements covering environmental responsibility, animal welfare, responsible feed and resource use, and social accountability.
“ASC congratulates Gloria Maris Côte d’Opale on this remarkable achievement,” said Maxime Engler, ASC France market development manager. “As a pioneer, Gloria Maris Côte d’Opale is leading the way and demonstrating that a transparent and responsible French aquaculture sector can meet the highest environmental and social standards.”
Located along the beaches of the Hauts-de-France region, Gloria Maris Côte d’Opale has farmed seabass and seabream for more than 40 years. The site has built its expertise since 1982, focusing on farming management, product quality and continuous improvement.
Bastien Riera, deputy chief executive of the Gloria Maris Group, said the certification recognised years of work by the farm’s teams and reflected its commitment to developing a responsible, transparent and demanding French aquaculture sector.
The farm supplies fish to foodservice professionals, fishmongers and premium retail markets, with particular emphasis on quality and traceability.
Certification followed an independent audit by a Conformity Assessment Body to verify compliance with ASC seabass and seabream requirements.
The certification recognises practices including monitoring and reducing environmental impacts, managing aquaculture-related discharges, protecting surrounding ecosystems, responsibly managing resources and animal health, and providing good working conditions.
The achievement also expands the availability of farmed seafood in France produced under ASC’s environmental and social requirements.
