Stirling University, February 22, 2013 Bas Geerts, Standards Director

ASC - Transforming aquaculture

Content

• Aquaculture importance

• About ASC

• The ASC standards

• Certification process

• Traceability of certified product

• ASC Consumer logo

• Added value

Aquaculture importance

•Growing demand for animal proteins

•Decreasing wild fish stocks

•Fastest growing food production sector (8.8% 1980-2010)

•Many (often unintended) negative impacts

ASC:

•Responsible production

•Similarities to MSC and FSC

How? (Vision)

“Transform aquaculture towards environmental sustainability and social responsibility using efficient market mechanisms that create value across the chain”

What? (Mission)“A world where aquaculture plays a major role in supplying food and social benefits for mankind whilst minimizing negative impacts on the environment”

About ASC

• Independent; not for profit

• Established April 2010

• Founders: WWF and IDH (the Sustainable Trade Initiative)

• Open and transparent multi-stakeholder approach

• Objectives: • Recognise and reward responsible fish farming

• Support purchasing of certified farmed seafood

• Transform seafood markets towards ‘sustainability’

ASC Standards

• Result of 8 individual Aquaculture Dialogues

(initiated and coordinated by WWF)

• >2,000 participants; broad multi-stakeholder spectrum

• Based on Best Management Practice (BMP)

• 7 Principles, addressing:

o Environmental impact

o Social impact

• Unique science-based performance metrics

• Continuous improvement

7 principles:1.Obey the law and comply with local regulations2.Minimise impacts on habitats, biodiversity and ecological process3.Avoid impact on health and genetic diversity of wild populations4.Manage disease and pests in a responsible manner5.Use resources efficiently6.Use water in a responsible manner7.Be a good neighbour and conscientious citizen

The ASC Standards monitor environmental impactsScience based performance metrics

Reduce impact on biodiversity

Conservation of species diversity

and wild populations

Feed and resources used

responsibly

Animal health and husbandry

Controlled and minimised use of

antibiotics and chemicals

Responsible use of water

Addressing environmental impacts

Prevent child- and forced labour

No discrimination,

Promote health and safety

regulations

Wages, working hours & living

Freedom of association and rights

for collective bargaining

Community relations and

interaction

Addressing social impacts

•Farm personnel AND community

•Assessed by qualified social auditors

ASC Certification process

• Covers all production systems (e.g. ponds, pens, nets, cages,

RAS)

• Third-party certification process:

• Independent certifiers

• Independent accreditation/monitoring of certifiers

• Transparent audit process:

• Public consultation (audit announcement & draft report)

o Bilingual at ASC website and farm (English & local)

How the 3rd party

process works

monitors

Standard Setter

accredits

Farm Standards

Traceability Methodology

assesses FarmClaim & logo

Chain

trains

Logo Licensing

Certification Bodies

licenses

Accreditation Body (ASI))

Assessment Guidance Methodology

From Farm to Fork

• Chain of Custody (CoC) certification in

partnership with MSC

• ASC certified products traceable from farm to fork

by Chain of Custody certification

• Provides audit efficiency in supply chain and

efficiencies in ‘system’ costs

• An approach ASC enshrines

• Helps consumers choose for responsibly farmed seafood sourced from farms that limit their environmental and social impacts

• ASC certified products now available in European Canadian supermarkets

The ASC Consumer Logo

Species Standard

(by ADs)Audit Manual

Accredited

Certifiers (exp.)

Certification

(possible from)

Tilapia FINAL FINAL FINAL FINAL

Pangasius FINAL FINAL FINAL FINAL

Salmon FINAL FINAL Q2/13 Q3/13

Abalone FINAL FINAL DRAFT Q4/13 Q1/14

Bivalves FINAL FINAL DRAFT Q3/13 Q4/13

Trout FINAL FINAL DRAFT Q3/13 Q4/13

Shrimp FINAL DRAFT DRAFT TBA TBA

Seriola/Cobia TBA TBA TBA TBA

How the ASC adds value in the supply chain

• Recognises and rewards responsible fish farming!

• Improved transparency makes seafood products traceable from farm to fork

• The ASC logo links consumers to production

• Improved reputation• Enhanced brand value and

recognition

How the ASC adds value for investors

• ASC transforms the aquaculture sector addressing environmental and social impacts 

• ASC certification can act as screening tool to aid investment decisions (certified companies are claimed to have lower risk profiles)

• ASC certification can be used as a requirement for investment

Future…

• Complete remaining 2 standards: Shrimp, Seriola/Cobia

• Bring all (8) standards to market

(set up accreditation, train auditors, etc.)

• Add new species

• Review/revise standards’ content

• Develop Group certification requirements

• Develop Feed Standard

ASC re-cap• Multi-stakeholder

• Standard development (public consultation)• Certification process (public consultation)

• Transparency (e.g. www.asc-aqua.org)• Standards development• Certification process• Governance (meeting minutes, complaints etc.)

• Best management practice• Realistic approach

• ASC quality control• ASI, ISEAL, FAO, ISO

ASC Supporters!

Founding partners

Thank youQuestions?

Bas.Geerts@asc-aqua.org