The Aquaculture Stewardship Council (ASC) has published a revised Shrimp Standard together with new requirements governing recirculating aquaculture system (RAS) farms.
The changes mean that the ASC’s programme now covers freshwater crayfish and freshwater shrimp and takes into account the unique impacts of RAS farming which is growing in popularity around the world.
Revised ASC Shrimp Standard
Four new freshwater species - Cherax, Procambarus, Astacus and Macrobrachium – have been added to the ASC Shrimp Standard meaning that 99% of globally farmed shrimp are now covered. “This revision spreads the potential positive impact of ASC by enabling more farmers to apply for certification, which requires both environmental and social responsibility,” said Michiel Fransen, ASC director of standards and science.
New ASC RAS Module
To reflect the increasing use of RAS, ASC has developed a specific module stipulating such requirements as energy monitoring and developing strategies to reduce emissions and minimise negative effect on water resources. Any RAS farm will have to meet these requirements, in addition to all of the requirements in the specific ASC standard covering the species they are farming.
“RAS farming, like all farming, has particular impacts,” said Michiel Fransen. “At ASC we don’t believe one method of farming is inherently superior – we think what matters is the specific impacts are properly addressed and minimised.”
There will now be a six-month period before both new updates are live and mandatory.
