In a groundbreaking initiative to transform the future of global aquaculture, the Aquaculture Stewardship Council (ASC) and Sustainable Fisheries Partnership (SFP) have released a new roadmap for landscape-level improvements in aquaculture. 

Offering a practical pathway to scale sustainability in aquaculture by aligning and empowering stakeholders across regions through innovative, landscape-level solutions, the roadmap is presented in an easy-to-read interactive document. 

The roadmap is the result of a Walmart Foundation grant to SFP focused on the Indian shrimp sector in the state of Andhra Pradesh, entitled ‘Building a foundation for landscape-level improvements in India’, part of a larger project on ‘Addressing the Carbon and Biodiversity Impacts of Aquaculture by Motivating Responsible Aquaculture Practices at Scale.’ SFP worked with ASC on the project, which combined an examination of landscape and jurisdictional initiatives with firsthand field learning from the Andhra Pradesh farmed shrimp industry to untangle the challenges to delivering incentives and driving environmental improvements at scale. 

ASC and SFP bring complementary strengths and a shared commitment to achieving 100% responsibly managed seafood. Together, they are championing a new model for sustainability that draws from successful strategies in other commodities and sectors to enable effective aquaculture improvement at scale. 

Jill Swasey, ASC Director of Impacts said, “Landscape approaches elevate the environmental and social performance of the region, reducing barriers and providing farmers with the opportunities to drive improvements, but this must rely on local expertise and organizations working in the sector. Demonstrating these collective improvements will deliver impacts at scale.” 

Why a Landscape Approach Matters

Aquaculture is one of the world’s fastest-growing food sectors and holds tremendous potential to provide climate-smart, nutritious, and sustainable food. Yet only 51% of global aquaculture is currently certified or rated against recognized sustainability standards. Existing methods often fail to account for the fragmented nature of small-scale production systems, particularly in regions where producers lack clear land ownership, access to financing, and strong regulatory oversight. 

The landscape approach provides a vital alternative. It emphasizes collaboration among diverse stakeholders—farmers, government bodies, NGOs, and the private sector—to raise the environmental and social baseline across shared geographic areas. This strategy does not replace certifications or independent projects but rather builds on them, creating a collective, adaptive, and inclusive model to drive measurable change. 

A key focus of the work in Andhra Pradesh was collaboration with and support for local institutions and organizations. “Everything we do in-country should be done by local institutions, and there is tremendous local capacity in Andhra Pradesh,” said SFP Chief Executive Officer Jim Cannon. “Our role is just to connect the dots and work through established local players – they will be there long after you’re gone.” 

Mr A.B.Ch.Mohan, Managing Partner, Seafood Solutions said “Our collaboration with the ASC and SFP team was a great experience, allowing us to build on our strengths and focus on the importance of effective stakeholder engagement and data synthesis for identifying actionable opportunities in shrimp aquaculture. 

“Engaging with the Dakshin Foundation team also allowed us to better understand the perspectives of NGOs focused on social issues. We are eager to see this work put to use and hope it will lead to targeted recommendations and the piloting of sustainable solutions in collaboration with industry partners.” 

Case in Point: Shrimp Farming in Andhra Pradesh

With shrimp now the most consumed seafood in the U.S. and among the top in the EU, demand continues to surge. India—particularly the state of Andhra Pradesh—has become a key player, producing nearly 1 million metric tons annually, primarily through smallholder farms under two hectares.

Andhra Pradesh’s stated ambition to increase its aquaculture area from 400,000 to 1 million acres by 2030 will bring rapid growth but also increased pressure on ecosystems and local communities. This roadmap uses shrimp farming in Andhra Pradesh as a pilot application, offering insights into how landscape-level approaches can address these complex challenges. 

By integrating sustainability across the region and strengthening local governance, the roadmap ensures long-term resilience for the environment, the shrimp industry, and the communities that depend on it. 

A Practical and Inclusive Roadmap

The roadmap includes: 

• A Step-by-Step Framework: Practical guidance for developing and implementing landscape-level aquaculture improvement projects (AIPs), adaptable globally. 

• Application Case Study: Lessons from implementing the approach in Andhra Pradesh. 

• Multi-Stakeholder and Holistic Focus: Encouraging collaboration across the supply chain, civil society, and government. 

• Integration with Global Frameworks: Drawing from leading bodies of work such as the Global Sustainable Aquaculture Roadmap and the Guidelines for Seafood Jurisdictional Initiatives. 

Beyond the Farm: Toward Systemic Change

This initiative marks a shift from farm-level improvements to systems-level change, recognizing that shared landscapes—and the people and ecosystems within them—are interconnected. By aligning incentives, decreasing risk and input costs, and improving shrimp survival through better practices and technology, this model offers a scalable and impactful solution. 

The roadmap is iterative, with each step designed to be refined and revisited as conditions evolve, ensuring long-term sustainability and inclusivity. 

“In Andhra Pradesh, it was inspiring to see a coalition of local social, environmental, and aquaculture experts come together to lay the groundwork for holistic improvements to the farmed shrimp sector,” said SFP Aquaculture Information Manager Paul Bulcock. “I hope the insights they shared and the foundation they’ve built will be carried forward. Beyond that, I encourage other organizations to apply the Roadmap in different regions and commodities to identify what improvements are needed, where they’re needed, and who can drive them forward.” 

ASC has unveiled its new Programme Centre – a powerful, all-in-one digital hub that makes accessing and navigating certification documentation faster, simpler, and smarter for certificate holders and auditors. 

The intuitive platform brings all ASC Certification Programmes together in one place, allowing users to search, filter, and explore Farm and Feed Standards interactively – no more trawling through paper documents or opening half a dozen PDFs at once. 

Key features include: 

• Smart search and filtering options tailored to specific production types (e.g. shrimp in RAS systems) 
• Interactive links to footnotes, definitions, and interpretations – all displayed within one view 
• Easy access to essential tools, templates, and training materials via the ASC Resource Hub 
• Seamless integration with calculation tools and ASC’s new digital audit template

Chris Ninnes, ASC CEO, said, “This tool absolutely redefines how technical content should be delivered. No more juggling multiple documents or squinting at tiny footnotes – it’s all in one place, easy to use, and designed to make everyone’s life easier. Whether you’re an auditor, certifier, farmer or feed producer – this is your new go-to resource – another innovative step forward to make auditing simpler, cheaper and more consistent.” 

Auditors are already seeing the benefits. José Carlos Morales Bermúdez Hernández, Scheme Manager at Control Union, said, “We’re pleased to be using the new ASC Programme Centre and see the opportunities it offers for auditors who will be certifying to the ASC Farm and Feed Standards. With all resources and tools in one place and easy cross-navigation between standard and auditing documents, the platform will help streamline and simplify the auditor’s experience.”   

The platform also houses the ASC Certification and Accreditation Requirements (CAR) and Group Requirements, with more features and improvements on the way. A user-friendly ‘How to use’ section walks new users through the platform step by step. 

The ASC Programme Centre is live now – designed to help you work smarter, not harder. 

Global momentum of ASC Feed Certification is accelerating as leading players ramp up responsible feed production. From January to mid-July 2025, 18 feed mills across 12 different countries achieved certification against the ASC Feed Standard, taking a positive step to drive real change in seafood farming. 

From Norway, Japan, Ecuador, the UK, Australia and Canada, to Chile, Vietnam, Spain, Italy, Honduras and Costa Rica, these industry leaders are choosing ASC Feed Certification to produce more responsible aquafeed. 

It has been a period of ‘firsts’ for three of those countries, with the first ever feed mills – all Skretting sites – achieving ASC Feed Certification in Australia, Japan and Italy. 

This wave of certifications marks a continuing shift in the aquaculture industry. ASC certified feed producers are more directly addressing the environmental and social impacts embedded in their supply chains – from the responsible sourcing of ingredients like soy and fishmeal, to ensuring fair labour practices. 

Aisla Jones, Feed Engagement & UK Markets Manager at ASC, said, “By choosing ASC Feed Certification and meeting the rigorous environmental and social requirements of the ASC Feed Standard, these feed companies are making real change and driving full-chain responsibility. We congratulate all recently certified feed mills on their achievements and look forward to seeing the positive impact they have on the industry. 

“This marks another important step in our mission of transforming the industry. We recognise there is still progress to be made, and we remain focused on driving it forward.” 

Feed mills certified January to mid-July 2025: 

• Skretting – Canada, Spain, Norway, Japan, Italy, Australia 

• Cargill – Norway, Chile, the UK (Scotland), Ecuador 

• BioMar – Costa Rica, Norway 

• Salmones Antártica Feed – Chile 

• Nosan – Japan 

• Grobest – Vietnam 

• Nutreco – Vietnam 

• CP Vietnam Corporation – Vietnam 

• Vitapro – Honduras 

The message is clear: the future of farmed seafood must be built on responsible feed. These feed companies are leading the way by choosing ASC for change. 

This takes the total to 35 feed mills across 14 countries globally that have achieved ASC Feed certification. You can see details of all feed mills in the ASC Feed Certification Programme on the ‘Find a Feed Mill’ webpage. 

ASC certified farms have until 31 October 2025 to ensure they are using ASC conforming feed from feed mills that are certified against the ASC Feed Standard. The use of ASC conforming feed is necessary for ASC certified farms to meet the ASC Farm Standard and retain their certification. 

Pins mark the location of feed mills around the world in the ASC Feed Certification Programme – certified or in initial audit 

About the ASC Feed Standard

The ASC Feed Standard is changing the narrative of responsible aquafeed to a holistic approach. 

It sets rigorous requirements for aquafeed production, covering areas such as social and labour rights, health and safety, environmental stewardship, and responsible sourcing of raw materials. 

It takes into consideration the impacts created across all key ingredient groups and throughout the ingredient supply chain. This includes all major agriculture crops such as wheat, corn and canola, in addition to soy and palm oil, and marine ingredients. 

Aquaculture Stewardship Council (ASC) is inviting applications for two new members to join its Board of Trustees—one with a focus on NGO and social impact, and the other on industry, branding, or retail—offering a rare opportunity to shape the future of responsible aquaculture on a global scale.

Additionally, ASC is pleased to announce the appointment of Prof. Catriona MacLeod and Dr. Heidi Alleway to its Technical Advisory Group (TAG), reinforcing the organisation’s commitment to stakeholder participation, scientific rigour and inclusive governance. Both appointees bring deep expertise and prior engagement with ASC’s technical standards.

ASC CEO Chris Ninnes said, “I would like to welcome both Catriona and Heidi to the organisation and thank them for their commitment. Their combined experience and insight will be a valuable addition to the TAG as our global reach expands and deepens to deliver impact.

“As part of our continued effort to strengthen our governance structure, we’re also looking for new board members who share our vision for a world where responsible aquaculture plays a vital role in feeding the planet sustainably. By joining our Board, you’ll help guide ASC’s strategic direction and ensure we remain a trusted leader in driving environmental and social responsibility across the seafood sector.”

Search for New Board members

ASC is inviting applications for two new members to join its Board of Trustees to contribute to the strategic leadership of an organisation at the forefront of transforming the seafood farming industry.

Trustees should bring diverse perspectives, leadership, and expertise to help shape the future of responsible aquaculture:

Trustee Role 1: NGO / Social Impact Focus

We are looking for a candidate with a strong background in the non-profit or civic sector, particularly with environmental or social impact experience in aquaculture, agriculture or improver programmes. Ideal applicants will bring valuable insight into NGO governance, sustainability, and the challenges and opportunities facing the civic sector.

Trustee Role 2: Industry / Brand / Retail Focus

This role is ideal for a business leader with a strong track record in branding, marketing, or retail – particularly within sectors aligned with ASC’s mission. We are seeking a commercially-minded individual who can offer strategic vision and help broaden the organisation’s reach and influence.

Joining ASC’s Board of Trustees means being at the heart of a globally respected organisation committed to driving positive change in seafood farming. Trustees play a critical role in setting ASC’s direction, upholding its mission, and ensuring its long-term impact.

Interested or know someone who would be a great fit? Learn more about these roles and how to apply here. The deadline for applications is 19 August 2025.

New TAG members

The TAG provides independent, science-based technical recommendations and advice to the ASC Board of Trustees. The group focuses on technical matters related to the ASC programme including farm and feed standards, chain of custody and certification and accreditation requirements, with members selected for their technical expertise from the aquaculture industry, NGOs, academia, and the assurance sectors.

Fishers, seafood farmers, fish buyers and suppliers, as well as retailers and restaurateurs keen to champion their sustainability credentials, have six weeks to enter the UK’s premier sustainable seafood awards.  

The Marine Stewardship Council (MSC) UK and Aquaculture Stewardship Council (ASC) UK annual awards are the showcase event of the year and celebrate businesses and individuals working from ocean to plate and farm to fork to offer consumers seafood from healthy stocks and responsible farms. 

There are 15 MSC Award categories this year, with six opening for nominations from today (14 July), through until 29 August.  

ASC Award Categories include UK Retailer of the Year, UK Retail Supplier of the Year and Brand of the Year. This year, ASC is also introducing the ASC UK Newcomer of the Year Award which will be awarded to an ASC partner that has newly demonstrated a strong commitment to the ASC programme, contributing to a more sustainable future of seafood farming.  

Following a rigorous judging process, the winners will be announced at a gala event in Scotland in October. 

In addition, both MSC and ASC will be presenting a Product of the Year – Consumer Choice award. These awards give the public the opportunity to celebrate their favourite responsibly sourced seafood products, highlighting the role seafood lovers play in driving demand for responsible choices. The public can vote for their favourite MSC product from 15 that have been shortlisted from today here. The ASC Product of the Year vote also opens from today.

 

Outstanding winners at the last year’s awards hosted at The Box in Plymouth included Sainsbury’s, named MSC UK Supermarket of the Year and ASC UK Retailer of the Year, Birds Eye and Iceland for their innovative fish finger marketing campaign, Fish said Fred as ASC Brand of the Year while Jersey lobster fisherman Ian Syvret was named Fishing Hero of the Year.  

George Clark, MSC UK & Ireland Programme Director, urged all those engaged in the sustainable seafood industry to enter, saying: “The MSC UK awards continue to reward the outstanding effort, expertise and ingenuity demonstrated across the whole seafood supply chain. With consumers demanding more sustainable seafood than ever, we’re delighted and proud to be able to reward those individuals and organisations playing their part in delivering the mission of our programme, and safeguarding seafood supplies for future generations. These awards are such a special moment in the calendar to champion them.” 

Maud van den Haspel, ASC General Manager for the UK and Benelux, said: “These awards celebrate the dedication it takes to commit fully to responsible seafood, every single day.”  

“As ASC continues to grow in the UK, we hope this level of commitment becomes the standard—encouraging more local farmers, processors, and retailers to choose change and help transform the farmed seafood sector for the better.”  

More details about the MSC and ASC awards, including how to submit a nomination, can be found here.  

The MSC is an international non-profit organisation which sets globally recognised, science-based standards for sustainable fishing and assurance in the seafood supply chain.  

ASC is driving the world’s leading certification programme for responsibly farmed seafood. The ASC Farm Standard addresses all key impacts, setting the standard for seafood farming globally and providing the highest assurance, integrity and transparency throughout the supply chain. 

Victory Farms has made history by becoming the first tilapia farm in Kenya — and across Africa — to participate in an Aquaculture Improvement Project (AIP) under the Improver Programme by the Aquaculture Stewardship Council (ASC).  

This milestone marks a major step forward for responsible seafood farming on the continent. Victory Farms covers 50 hectares of tilapia farming in western Kenya’s Homa Bay–(Nyanza region) and produces 18,000 tonnes of tilapia annually. Victory Farms operates a vertically integrated model, overseeing the entire value chain from hatchery to table. 

The Improver Programme by ASC supports farms committed to improving their farming practices to become more responsible. By joining the programme, Victory Farms underscores its dedication to responsible farming and environmental stewardship.  

Roy van Daatselaar, Head of Improver Programme at ASC said, “This is a landmark achievement not just for Victory Farms, but for Africa’s seafood farming sector as a whole. We are thrilled to support Victory Farms as they choose change and raise the bar for tilapia farming in the region.” 

Victory Farms run all  aspects in its tilapia value chain from feed to processing and down to retail

The AIP will involve close collaboration with ASC to identify areas for improvement, implement best practices, and monitor progress over time. This effort paves the way for Victory Farms to enhance key areas such as animal welfare and the responsible use of feed, while also serving as a blueprint for other aquaculture producers in Africa to follow. 

Victory Farms’ Group Aquaculture Excellence Manager, Nsogbu Wadike said, ”We’re eager to ensure our standards are world-class and traceable for all our consumers. Joining the AIP is an excellent opportunity to strengthen this rigour and reporting in our operations.” 

About the Improver Programme by ASC

ASC already drives change and supports improvements in seafood farming at scale across the world through its certification programme. For those not ASC certified, the Improver Programme by ASC supports farms who are not ready or eligible for ASC certification but are committed to improving their farming practices through an AIP. The combined impact of these many small changes in non-certified seafood farming contributes to the ASC goal of transforming seafood farming, as a whole, for the future.

The Improver Programme (ASC IP) comprises a set of procedures and tools to ensure that improvements are consistently and effectively implemented by producers in the form of Aquaculture Improvement Projects (AIP).

Currently, there are 17 active AIPs in the shrimp sector across Ecuador (1), Kenya (1), Bangladesh (1), Indonesia (2), and Thailand (12). For a list of companies in the Improver Programme by ASC, visit this page

Utrecht, Netherlands – Aquaculture Stewardship Council (ASC) is proud to be a co-founder of the Global Shrimp Forum Foundation, and we are delighted to have a number of experts participating in and supporting the fourth edition of the 2025 Global Shrimp Forum (GSF).  

The Forum, being held in Utrecht on 2–4 September, gathers over 500 industry leaders. Its packed and topical agenda helps shape the future of the shrimp industry and boasts a range of expert speakers representing the entire value chain.  

During this must-attend event for those in the shrimp business, ASC will contribute to advancing key conversations, and continue to push for scalable, responsible growth in the global shrimp sector. 

GSF Foundation Chair and CEO of ASC, Chris Ninnes, said, “Bringing feed, farm standards, inclusivity, responsible sourcing and climate into one forum reflects ASC’s holistic vision for the shrimp industry—one that is not only environmentally and socially responsible, but also inclusive and future-ready. 

“Our role at GSF 2025 is about more than certification—it’s about empowering every link in the shrimp value chain to achieve real, lasting change.” 

ASC at GSF 2025: Driving Change Across the Value Chain

ASC-sponsored Inclusive Supply Chains and Continuous Improvement Side Event ASC is sponsoring this vital session, addressing the barriers facing small- and mid-scale shrimp producers. Tanja Hoel from Hatch Norway will deliver opening remarks and the session will feature case studies from Bangladesh, Vietnam, and Indonesia, highlighting scalable approaches to finance, training, and digital tools.  

The Future of Responsible Marine Ingredients Panel
Co-hosted by ASC and MSC, this lunch panel will bring together industry leaders including MarinTrust to discuss how to scale up responsibly sourced marine ingredients in aquafeeds—an essential step in reducing biodiversity and social risks in shrimp farming supply chains.

Aisla Jones, Feed Engagement and Market Development Manager UK & Ireland, speaking at GSF in 2024 

Partnering for Change: Discover the New ASC Farm Standard

This unmissable side event for shrimp producers will outline how the ASC Farm Standard, launched in May 2025, takes a 360° view—covering animal welfare, environmental impact, and social responsibility.  

This interactive session will explore the two-year implementation roadmap, implications for producers, and benefits for buyers seeking reliable, responsible sourcing to meet the expectations of the shrimp supply chain and consumers through better farm-collected data and transparency. 

This presentation offers an opportunity to hear directly from the ASC team about the Farm Standard and ask any questions you may have.  

Why It Matters

• 🌱 Feed Transformation: ASC’s push for certified feed sets a global standard for ethical sourcing. 

• 🌍 Farm-Level Integrity: The ASC Farm Standard brings clearer pathways for shrimp farmers to adopt best practices. 

• 🏘️ Inclusivity at Scale: Amplifying support for smaller producers addresses equity, resilience, and traceability. 

• 🤝 Collaborative Leadership: ASC’s role in GSF demonstrates its commitment to uniting producers, retailers, and innovators in driving progress across the shrimp sector. 

Find out more about the Global Shrimp Forum and register here. 

In a move to strengthen Ghana’s seafood farming industry, Aquaculture Stewardship Council (ASC) and the Chamber of Aquaculture Ghana (COA) have signed a strategic Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) aimed at transforming farmed fish production towards sustainability, traceability, and global market alignment.

This dynamic partnership brings together global expertise and local leadership to drive improvements across environmental, social, and operational practices in Ghana’s rapidly expanding fish farming sector.

At the heart of the collaboration is the Improver Programme by ASC– a hands-on, step-by-step approach helping local fish farms raise the bar on responsible farming. The Improver Programme by ASC is designed to support farms not yet ready for certification, but committed to improving aquaculture performance. Through the Improver Programme, ASC and COA aim to develop a local Code of Good Practices (CoGP), which builds on the science and multistakeholder dialogues of the ASC Farm Standard, but is tailored to the local context of fish farming in Ghana.

ASC Improver Programme head Roy van Daatselaar said, “This partnership is a game-changer for Ghana’s seafood farming future. We’re proud to work alongside the Chamber of Aquaculture to help farmers improve practices through the development of the CoGP, strengthen market opportunities, and build a future towards Ghana’s sustainable development.”

Jacob Adzikah, CEO of the Chamber of Aquaculture Ghana said, “The Aquaculture Improvement Project under the Improver Programme by ASC will reshape the aquaculture scene in Ghana by allowing businesses to reach international markets that seek certified farmed fish, while also drawing in new investment to the country’s aquaculture industry. The project is a step-by-step initiative that would help farms improve their practices in areas like sustainability, food safety, and social responsibility, with the ultimate goal of achieving ASC certification and meeting global standards.”

ASC Improver Programme head Roy van Daatselaar and CEO of the Chamber of Aquaculture Ghana Jacob Adzikah sign MOU to improve Ghana’s seafood farming sector

Key highlights of the partnership include:

• Enhanced Traceability and Transparency: The AIP and CoGP will improve traceability systems, allowing consumers and businesses to better understand the origin and production methods of aquaculture products in Ghana.
• Market Access and Certification: The AIP and CoGP will prepare sector stakeholders for potential future certification which can improve access to international markets where consumers demand certified, sustainably produced aquaculture productions.

Roy added, “Through this partnership, the Chamber of Aquaculture Ghana and the ASC aim to position Ghana as a regional leader in the Blue Foods space. By developing a locally owned CoGP aligned with international standards, we can empower the sector with the tools and knowledge to improve socially and environmentally responsible operations, and prepare the industry to meet growing global demand for responsibly sourced seafood.

“This MoU sets the foundation for collaboration, mutual support, and shared vision in strengthening Ghana’s aquaculture ecosystem, while contributing to broader global goals around food security, environmental protection, and sustainable livelihoods.”

“Oceans unite us,” declared Bertrand Charron, ASC Global Research and Insights Director, reflecting on a week participating at the United Nations Oceans Conference (UNOC) in Nice. “They offer a future full of opportunity – if we act now. To transform food systems and protect biodiversity, we need transparency, engagement, and credible, publicly-available performance data. With the right partnerships and finance, aquaculture can play a major role in food security and a sustainable, equitable ocean future.”

ASC’s participation at UNOC was pivotal, culminating in Bertrand’s invitation to address the UN Ocean Action Panel 9. Representing ASC and Sustainable Fisheries Partnership (SFP), he championed sustainable ocean food as a solution to poverty and hunger, highlighting a collaborative initiative in India as a model for integrated, multi-stakeholder solutions. Read the full speech here.  

ASC Global Research and Insights Director Bertrand Charron speaks at UNOC in Nice about responsible seafood farming.

Earlier in the week, Bertrand was invited to join the Blue Economy and Finance Forum (BEFF), which brought together government, finance and philanthropy to accelerate sustainable ocean investment.  “A key takeaway from BEFF was the urgent need for robust data to inform decision-making,” said Bertrand. “Transparency builds trust—and trust drives investment.”  

Ray Dhirani, ASC/MSC Head of Capital Markets Outreach, also present at BEFF commented, “While some headline commitments were modest, we saw encouraging innovation from leading financiers, especially in emerging markets. There’s momentum—we must seize it.”   

A consistent message resonated across UNOC: the urgent need to scale blue finance. Investors are poised to act, but demand reliable ESG data and metrics to assess risk and impact. This is where ASC excels. 

ASC’s global certification programme provides verified performance data on aquaculture’s social and environmental impacts, supporting traceability, credible sustainability reporting, and de-risking investment. This crucial role is increasingly recognised and referenced by key global organisations including the World Bank and in initiatives such as the recently-launched Ocean Investment Protocol (OIP), Taskforce on Nature-related Financial Disclosures (TNFD), and Science Based Targets Network (SBTN). 

“The OIP is a landmark in ocean finance,” Bertrand stated. “It offers critical guidance to unlock sustainable investment—and ASC is ready to support it with the data, insight, and systems investors need to build trust in the blue economy.” 

As the ASC programme is science-based, Ola Luthman, ASC Climate Change Coordinator, attended the One Oceans Science Congress, also in Nice and held in the run up to UNOC. Ola concluded, “Whilst aquaculture was under-represented and key voices such as aquaculture producers and the fishing industry were missing, the conference recognised that aquaculture, if done with careful ecosystem integration, can play a much bigger role in climate adaptation and coastal resilience. 

“The conference emphasised that governance structures, across fisheries, Marine Protected Areas, and coastal ecosystems, need to evolve beyond top-down policies. This is directly relevant for aquaculture, which often faces fragmented governance and conflict over resources.” 

In an era defined by urgency and opportunity, ASC stands at the forefront of driving systemic change in ocean stewardship. Our presence at UNOC made one thing clear: responsible aquaculture is no longer optional—it is essential. With leadership, data-driven transparency, and bold collaboration, we can catalyse blue finance, transform global food systems, and secure a thriving ocean future for all. The momentum is real. Now is the time to lead with purpose, invest with confidence, and act with conviction. 

Haenam, South Korea – Aquaculture Stewardship Council (ASC) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with South Korea’s National Institute of Fisheries Science (NIFS), a leading aquaculture and marine environmental research institute under the Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries.

This agreement marks a significant milestone in the transformation to responsible seafood farming, strengthening international collaboration and driving sustainable growth within Korea’s seafood farming sector.

 

During the signing ceremony, ASC CEO Chris Ninnes emphasised the global relevance of this partnership, “This is an important step forward in strengthening international partnerships and advancing responsible seafood farming practices that benefit fish, farm, people and planet. Together, we are setting a new standard for the future of Korea’s seafood sector through environmental and social responsibility.”

NIFS President Choi Yong-seok said, “With the fisheries industry undergoing rapid changes due to climate change and other factors, this MOU serves as a starting point for transitioning to eco-friendly aquaculture industry.

We hope that this collaboration with the ASC will present a standard model for sustainable aquaculture and strengthen the export competitiveness of Korean farmed seafood.”

The agreement aligns with the missions of both organisations to promote responsible seafood farming, support biodiversity, benefit communities, and meet the growing global demand for sustainably farmed seafood.

Under the MoU, ASC and NIFS will work together to:

• Develop innovative aquaculture technologies for seaweed, shellfish, and fish;
• Facilitate information exchange between international and Korean experts;
• Create ecosystem-based certification technologies; and
• Improve seafood farming conditions to support long-term environmental and economic sustainability.