Positive imPact: 2020 - Aquaculture ...
←
→
Page content transcription
If your browser does not render page correctly, please read the page content below
2020
Positive
Impact:
Partner Improvements
Through Certification
v. 1.1
contents
introduction
Mission, vision & contents
Our Vision: A world where
aquaculture plays a major 04
05
Foreword
our impact
role in supplying food and 08
12
The Story So Far (1994-2020)
ASC and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals
social benefits for mankind, 14 ASC Assurance Programme, The M&E Framework & ASC’s Impact Pathways
whilst minimising negative
16 ASC Programme Reach
27 Product and Market Trends
impacts on the environment. 32
33
Expanding Our Scope
Research in focus: ASC salmon standard compared with regional regulations
35 Measuring on-farm change: methodology
39 Research in focus: A life-cycle assessment of ASC Certified pangasius
Our Mission: To transform
40 Measuring on-farm change: environmental trends
44 Case study interview: Miyagi Prefecture Fisheries
aquaculture towards
45 Case study interview: Fujian China-Singapore Evervest
46 Measuring on-farm change: social trends
environmental sustainability 51
52
Research collaboration: the TAPAS project
Case study interview: Best Aquaculture Partners
and social responsibility, 53 Case Study Interview: Nireus Aquaculture
using efficient market
54 Measuring progress in forage fish use
58 Expanding Our fish welfare indicators
mechanisms that create
59 Transparency in Metric setting
60 Strengthening Assurance
value across the chain. 62
64
Partner interview: IKEA
Annex 1: number of certified farms per country and species
65 Annex 2: supplementary information for the non-conformity analysis
66 References & Acknowledgments
asc-aqua.org 03
FOREWORD
introduction
foreword
I’m pleased to present Aquaculture Stewardship Council’s (ASC)
first Monitoring and Evaluation Report, Positive impact: Partner
improvements through certification. As part of our commitment
to evaluating organizational effectiveness, we share information
on the impacts of the programme with stakeholders on an
ongoing basis. The information within these pages is the first
comprehensive assessment of the benefits of the ASC certification
over the first decade of operations, and will be used to both better
understand, and inform future improvements of, the programme.
The core of ASC’s mission is to help transform the aquaculture industry The rapid uptake has brought us closer to a world where
towards environmental sustainability and social responsibility, and aquaculture plays a major role in responsibly supplying food
we work to meet that goal by transforming farm practices, business and social benefits for mankind. However, ASC is still at the
practices, and consumer behavior. The programme includes highly beginning of a decades-long journey, and to date only certifies a
respected standards for environmental and social performance, auditing small percentage of global aquaculture production. To increase
protocols, and a logo which allows consumers to make an informed our global impact, we must navigate increasingly complex
choice when purchasing seafood. Our efforts are undertaken and technical, supply chain and operational challenges—to say
supported together with a wide range of partners, including producers nothing of the increasingly sophisticated and interconnected
of all sizes, certification companies, scientists, government officials, the political challenges— over the coming years. The social impacts
seafood industry, the NGO community and other innovators who have of aquaculture can vary from country to country and by species,
joined forces to help move the production of farmed seafood towards a but they are persistent and widespread. Ecosystem degradation
more sustainable future. continues, and the effects of climate change create unpredictable
complications for a global standard setter. While these issues are
When ASC was established in 2010 to address the many environmental many and considerable, I am confident that ASC will meet them.
and social challenges of fish farming, we could not have anticipated the We will do so partly through our own efforts, but also by continuing
unprecedented growth and challenges of our first years. to actively seek opportunities to collaborate with like-minded
partners working to promote sustainability and social responsibility
First, I’ll address the growth. Our success is a mark of the credibility in areas complimentary to the reach of farm certification.
of the ASC standards, and the trust we’ve earned due to our investment
in a science-based development process, the requirement for regular, We are already engaging on the next set of challenges and
inclusive and transparent review, and the many collaborations with are actively in the process of creating an organisation to meet
partners and stakeholders that are integral to our programme. Tilapia the future. For now, ASC is proud to share this monitoring and
was the first standard to become operational in the summer of 2012 evaluation report, and to recognise the progress the programme
and the first ASC farm certificate was awarded in August of that year. has enjoyed to date. The impacts presented in this report are part
The milestones over the years to follow came rapidly, including the of a broader, growing global movement toward a world where our
completion of a further 10 farm standards to address the impacts food supply is produced sustainably, transparently and traceably;
of farming hundreds of species of finfish, shellfish and bivalves; one where farmers work in safety, with respect and are compensated
joint standard for seaweed with MSC; the development of an industry appropriately; and where our oceans, rivers and coastal
leading feed standard and the ongoing process of creating a single, communities are resilient and healthy.
aligned ASC Farm Standard to create an even more efficient and
effective programme. Significantly, just four years after the first product
bearing the ASC logo came to market, ASC become financially self-
sustaining, covering all core operating costs from only logo license
revenue. And, as we go to press with this report in July 2020,
2 million tonnes of aquaculture produced annually comes from farms
certified as meeting the highest standards of environmental and
social responsibility Chris Ninnes, CEO
04 asc-aqua.org asc-aqua.org 05
Our Impact
introduction
our impact
than national regulations in Norway, Chile, Canada and the UK, in renovations to living quarters for staff and the provision and renewal of
setting limits on the number of escapes allowed, antibiotic usage and personal protective equipment. Immediate improvements to working
fish resources in feed. conditions were documented for farms undergoing assessments, such
as increased medical insurance coverage, clarification of contracts and
Analyses on ASC farm audit reports illustrate that ASC certified salmon transparency in wage setting.
The ASC’s transformational aim is to promote more environmentally farms in three of the main producing countries, Norway, Chile, and
sustainable and socially responsible aquaculture through it’s certification
Canada, demonstrated improved conformance in recent years with Case study interviews provide further evidence of these improvements.
evidence that producers with multiple farms are applying lessons Best Aquaculture Partners’ shrimp farm in Thailand have reported
programme and seafood logo. In order to maximise the impact of the learned from certified sites, such as updated fish health management greater transparency and training on pay and working conditions, as
programme it uses standards that set strict and measureable requirements
plans and public reporting on wildlife mortalities, across their business. well as increased health and safety training. In China, Fujian China-
The first oyster farms certified in Japan, as part of the Miyagi Singapore Everest’s abalone farm has gone to extensive lengths to
for responsible aquaculture. Prefecture Fisheries cooperative, found that their certification led to
access to new markets. Sales revenues increased faster compared to
improve working conditions, such as through the construction of new
living quarters and the provision of sun shades and first aid kits.
oyster producers from other areas, and certification gave farmers a
These standards, the most rigorous in the industry, drive improvements Confidence and Trust in ASC Product Origin, sense of achievement and pride. The changes implemented across Looking Ahead
across a range of operational practices and help to safeguard the Supply Chain and Assurance Programme the farm increased product quality, improved working conditions and As we grow, the ASC actively works across a variety of projects that
social rights and safety of those who work on farms and live in nearby ASC uses chain of custody certification and allied measures to reduced environmental impact. More efficient production systems led look to strengthen and further expand the ASC programme. One of
local communities. Amongst other things ASC standards help protect ensure that the integrity of the programme is maintained. Trust in to many of the female workers being able to maintain their income our largest commitments is to the Alignment project. This seeks to
ecosystems, sensitive habitats and biodiversity, control the use of our programme and a high level of assurance across the supply chain and have more time free for other things they valued. develop a new farm standard that amalgamates common content
antibiotics, reduce the use of pesticides and chemicals, proactively from farm to end products allows retailers and consumers to have found across all standards into a single, consistent core document.
prevent fish escapes, preserve the quality of water, regulate feed use, confidence about where their seafood came from and how it was More Farmers Implementing ASC Standards Production and species-specific metrics and requirements will be
promote fair and equitable treatment of workers on farms and positive raised. Data collected throughout the audit process and supply chain As more farmers implement ASC standards of responsible farming, retained as bespoke content that is more narrowly applicable. Our
engagement with communities where farms operate. ensure that the farm meets the requirements of the ASC standards and negative environmental effects are mitigated and social improvements scope is evolving through the development of standards to cover
that products that bear the ASC logo can be traced to their source. are promoted. ASC has exhibited a remarkable growth over recent new areas of the aquaculture industry such as feed production
As a full member of the ISEAL Alliance, we ensure that our standards Our transparent systems provide a comprehensive insight into the years, with 1,134 farms certified across nine standards producing as well as the refinement of our dedication to animal welfare and
are grounded in science and best practice, as supported by environmental and social performance on farms. This insight allows nearly 2 million tonnes of certified seafood in 42 countries by the end disease management that will feature within the new aligned farm
stakeholder engagement and transparency. To ensure the ASC us to access and analyze information on farm level improvements of 2019. This represents a 181% increase in certified volume and a standard. We are also collaborating with innovative partners, such
programme remains meaningful, credible, and effective we continually resulting from certification that serve as a testament to the more than 450% increase in the number of certified farms in just five as the Sustainable Fisheries Partnership and the Monterey Bay
strive to improve through our standard revision process, the adoption effectiveness of the programme. This first M&E report is an important years. We have recently increased the range of species covered by the Aquarium’s Seafood Watch programme, to drive integration across
of additional standards, monitoring and evaluation of our work, and milestone in demonstrating our commitment to this transparency. programme with the approval and implementation of three additional our programme’s at scales beyond the farm to reduce costs for
the use of data that contribute to knowledge on the performance standards at the end of 2019. producers and provide clearer and more concise information to
of aquaculture systems globally. Farm audits against our standards Higher Demand for Responsibly Certified buyers, governments, producers and consumers. We are further
are conducted by independent and accredited third-parties, with Seafood Creates Incentives Minimised Negative Effects strengthening our systems with the launch of our Geographic
extensive requirements for transparency and stakeholder engagement Increasing demand for ASC certified seafood signals to farmers that on the Environment Information Systems (GIS) portal: by collecting and sharing more
throughout the process, and high level of oversight by the ASC there is a market for responsible farming that can make certification During the audit process, corrective actions taken by farmers precise data on farm locations and boundaries we will empower
appointed accreditation body. worthwhile. ASC’s expanding market presence builds on the many demonstrate the improvements in performance delivered through auditors and stakeholders and unlock new opportunities for
relationships we have developed in seafood markets around the certification. For example, ASC certified shrimp farms in Vietnam collaboration.
The key impacts provided in relation to ASC’s strategic outcomes are world, starting with strong and growing commitments from retailers have reduced non-conformance by 50% across environmental
featured throughout the report with added detail on analysis, graphics and food service providers in Europe. Global companies such as Lidl, indicators between 2014 and 2018. In practice, this results in on site In 2021 we will launch an improved and globally accessible Improver
and case studies. IKEA and Nomad Foods Europe are making commitments to carry improvements across impact areas such as waste containment and Programme. This will help drive production improvements by
ASC certified products both in Europe and globally. Commitments to management. targeting farmers through local extension agencies, training of trainer
responsibly farmed seafood have expanded across the Americas, Asia programmes and the use of technology to transfer the knowledge
and Australia, providing a sense of the very active support that we have By analyzing farm performance against our metrics-based indicators, needed to make improvements. It’s an ambitious programme, one
received from supply chain partners - a fundamental driver of the ASC we can demonstrate trends in improvement. For example, ASC we will test and pilot, but ultimately we see it as another tool to drive
programme’s growth. certified salmon and shrimp farms decreased their use of wild-caught improvement at scale. In support of this programme the ASC is also
fish meal by over 3% in feeds between 2015 and 2018, reducing their developing a range of supporting tools and networks, including
Nearly 18,000 products globally were able to carry the ASC logo as of reliance on wild fishery resources. Farms across the species standards with local governments, to facilitate its successful uptake. A key
the end of 2019, an increase of over 380% compared with five years are also coordinating more closely with their feed suppliers to ensure component will be a thorough Gap Analysis methodology and tool
earlier. One prominent partner featured in this report, IKEA, uses the they are using responsibly sourced ingredients. This in turn helps us that will capture the current state of the aquaculture production;
ASC logo to communicate its responsible seafood commitment to continue to drive improvements, such as lowering the threshold for which in turn will identify improvement areas, link to supporting tools
customers in an honest and credible way. IKEA’s commitment to source acceptable levels of wild fishery resources as an ingredient in feed. to assist improvement and will have the ability to monitor impacts
ASC and MSC certified products across its 430 restaurants operating In an independent peer-reviewed study looking at pangasius farms, over time. The initial focus will be on Asia, but it will be applicable
in 52 markets around the world demonstrates the social responsibility ASC certified farms were found to use water, land and total resources globally and will further allow the ASC to demonstrate programme
the company feels to inform its customers about seafood sustainability more efficiently and had lower impacts on their surrounding air and impacts.
topics and to help them to fulfil their interests in a better world. water than their non-certified counterparts.
This report represents one example of how we are continually
Responsible Farming is Viable Social Improvements exploring and challenging our impacts, which is only possible
The ASC programme sets requirements for responsible aquaculture ASC certified farms exhibited clear trends in improved working through our dedication to transparency. Our commitment to an
that meet best practices and exceed national regulations in many conditions, as evidenced through analysis of non-conformances established monitoring and evaluation programme will help us
countries. According to one independent academic study, ASC raised during farm audits and subsequent corrective actions. Health evaluate our work, learn from results and grow our programme’s
requirements in the Salmon Standard for example were more stringent and safety performance improved with increased training provisions, ability to deliver impact at scale.
06 asc-aqua.org asc-aqua.org 07
the story so far:
ASC background
The Story So Far (1994-2020)
Key milestones in ASC’s growth 1994-2011
Meetings were held between
WWF US, shrimp producers and April
other producer groups, retailers Shrimp Dialogue began with a first
and the private sector to examine meeting in Madagascar. Included over
approaches to improve production. August 400 participants and took International
WWF US and others Exploratory talks were held First Molluscs Dialogue Principles for Responsible Shrimp Farming
attempt to find with companies and NGOs about conference, held created by representatives from WWF,
solutions to issues of aquaculture certification. in Washington, DC. FAO, the World Bank, the Network of
shrimp production. Subsequently renamed Aquaculture Centres of Asia-Pacific,
Bivalve Dialogue. and the United Nations Environment
Programme as a starting point.
1994-2002 2002 2003-2004 2004 2005 2007
FEBRUARY
WWF US organised a conference August
in Washington, DC to discuss Tilapia Standard
the environmental impacts of Dialogue first September
WWF US requested salmon farming. More than 120 meeting in First Pangasius Dialogue April December
by Canadian salmon participants attended including Washington DC. meeting in Ho Chi Minh City. April ASC incorporated as a Stichting, not MSC Chain of Custody
producers to help representatives from industry, Over the life of the Dialogue Abalone Standard for profit organisation in Utrecht, (COC) system tested in
identify how they NGOs, governments, researchers, there were 630 contributors. Dialogue first meeting Netherlands. December 2011 for use
could improve salmon donors, investors and buyers. The in Melbourne. FOUNDING DATE OF ASC. within ASC systems.
aquaculture. meeting lead to the creation of the
Salmon Dialogue.
2008 2009 2010 2011
October
After being put on November September MAY
hold for funding Trout Standard Accreditation Services First 4 Standards
delays, Bivalve Dialogue first International (ASI) (Tilapia, Pangasius,
Dialogue resumes, meeting in appointed to provide Bivalve and Abalone)
more than 300 Copenhagen. February accreditation for handed to ASC at the
participants over WWF and IDH formed an certification bodies. Brussels Seafood
the course of alliance to build ASC, publicly Show by the dialogues
development. announced joint funding promoters.
for the development of a
business plan and the creation
of firewalls to maintain
independence and integrity.
Seriola & Cobia Standard
Dialogue first meeting in
Seattle.
08 asc-aqua.org asc-aqua.org 09
the story so far:
ASC background
The Story So Far (1994-2020)
Key milestones in ASC’s growth 2012-2020
August/
September
First certification body September/
April accredited to certify October
First COC certificate farms, IMO headquarted Formation of the
Certification and
issued to Zamek- in Switzerland to audit
Ratings Initiative, a
Meinhardt Seafood against the ASC Tilapia December collaborative effort to
Service GmbH & Co Standard. Passed 100 Farms certified increase efficiency,
KG, Minden Germany. Alignment project started to address challenges,
First Tilapia farm earns
ASC certification (Regal
June harmonise the structure and
and help more fisheries
and farms take steps
ASC launched content of the eight farm
Springs Tilapia). toward environmental
project to develop standards to create one core sustainability, social
January an Aquaculture ASC Standard. responsibility, and
Bivalve Standard Feed Standard. economic viability.
became operational.
2012 2013 2014 2015
January
February June ASC registered as a UK March APRIL
Accreditation for Salmon Standard charity (number 1150418). Shrimp Standard September ASC became a
handed to ASC First salmon full member of
the ASC (MSC) COC handed to ASC from
Trout Standard finalised, after 7 years of farm becomes ISEAL.
certification opened. the dialogue group.
more than 200 participants development. ASC certified;
over the course of the First shrimp farm
December dialogue. achieves ASC May
ASC became an certified. August ASC & Fair
Trade USA join
associate member July ASC finalised March
and launched forces to drive
of ISEAL. Volume of ASC Seabream,
the methodology improvements
certified seafood Seabass & Meagre
for Multi-site in Indonesian June
passed 1 million Standard became
Aquaculture. 1000 farm
metric tonnes. Certification. operational. sites certified.
2016 2017 2018 2019 2020
March July November April July
ASC & MSC began ASC & MSC ASC & MSC March Group Two new Standards for
public consultation Boards approve announced the Joint ASC-MSC Certification Flatfish and Tropical
on joint Seaweed a new joint launch of the Seaweed Standard launched at event Marine Finfish released
Standard. standard for first ASC-MSC became effective. in Vietnam.
ASC join with Sustainable
Seaweed. joint standard:
Fisheries Partnership
the Seaweed
and Monterey Bay
November Standard.
Aquarium in collaboration
Seriola & Cobia funded by ISEAL with
Standard support from the Swiss
became Secretariat for Economic
operational. Affairs (SECO).
10 asc-aqua.org asc-aqua.org 11
ASC and the United Nations Sustainable
ASC background
ASC and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals
Development Goals (SDGs)
As an international organization committed to environmental and When buyers choose to source ASC certified and labelled products
social responsibility, ASC is an active partner in the global partnership they are exhibiting their own contributions to the United Nations
to achieve peace and prosperity for people and the planet. The United Sustainable Development Goals. By valuing environmentally
Nations (UN) blueprint for sustainable development, now and into sustainable farm performance, employment security and social SDG 10. SDG 14. SDG 16.
the future, identifies 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SGDs) that
represent an urgent call to action. With increasing populations globally
responsibility for workers, ASC and our partners are committed
to combating the ongoing challenges of population growth and
Reduce inequality within Conserve and sustainably Promote peaceful and
and threats to food security, the rapidly growing aquaculture sector is increasing need for greater food security in a world with limited and among countries use the oceans, seas inclusive societies for
recognized as having the potential to provide a critical contribution to resources. The work of ASC in defining and certifying responsible
Discrimination based on gender, age, race, and marine resources for sustainable development,
meeting many of the SDGs. aquaculture directly contributes to multiple SDGs. religion or origin is strictly forbidden by ASC sustainable development provide access to justice
for all and build effective,
standards, while certified farms must also
ensure equality in salaries and equal access ASC standards ensure the protection of
to opportunities. marine resources by limiting the use of accountable and inclusive
institutions at all levels
wild caught fish in feed and requiring
that wild fish is sourced from responsibly
managed fisheries. ASC also works
The certification process involves feedback
to protect marine mammals, High
from local and indigenous communities,
Conservation Value Areas and to establish
and farms must proactively engage
best practices in gear management and
in meaningful consultation with these
nutrient pollution mitigation.
SDG 1. SDG 3. SDG 6.
groups. ASC prohibits child labour, and
forced, bonded or compulsory labour.
End poverty in all its Ensure healthy lives and Ensure availability and The standards promote transparency and
non-discriminatory laws and policies for
forms everywhere promote well-being for all sustainable management sustainable development.
ASC standards include criteria and terms at all ages of water and sanitation
of employment that contribute towards
Antimicrobial resistance caused by the for all SDG 12.
ensuring farms’ social responsibility
towards employees and local communities,
overuse of antibiotics is a serious threat
As well as ensuring that farm employees
Ensure sustainable
including decent wages, transparency in
to human health: ASC bans the use of
antibiotics listed as critically important
have access to clean, sanitary living consumption and
contracts, benefits, and freedom
from discrimination.
for human medicine by the World Health
conditions, ASC certified farms must also
minimise the impact of their activities on
production patterns
Organisation, while strictly monitoring
surrounding water. ASC standards require
and limiting others. Standards include
requirements that facilitate safer and
monitoring of water quality, treatment of
ASC’s whole programme is aimed at
defining, addressing and contributing to SDG 15.
healthier working conditions for
effluent water, mitigation of nutrient pollution
in water, and responsible disposal of waste.
sustainable consumption and production Protect, restore and
promote sustainable
farm workers. patterns in aquaculture.
use of terrestrial SDG 17.
SDG 8. ecosystems, sustainably Strengthen the means
manage forests, combat of implementation
desertification, and and revitalize the
SDG 2. halt and reverse land global partnership for
End hunger, achieve food degradation and halt sustainable development
security and improved biodiversity loss ASC promotes public, private and
nutrition and promote Illegal deforestation is prohibited by ASC
civil-society partnerships at both intra
sustainable agriculture SDG 5. Promote sustained, standards when it comes to the sourcing of
and international levels and works
inclusive and sustainable SDG 13. plant (e.g. soy and wheat) feed ingredients,
collaboratively with governments and
Achieve gender equality Take urgent action to and the upcoming ASC Feed Standard
NGOs on a number of projects aimed at
economic growth, full and
ASC’s vision and ethos is one of working promoting responsible aquaculture.
towards long-term food security through and empower all women combat climate change
also requires a commitment of feed mills
responsible aquaculture. ASC works with
and girls productive employment to work towards (total) deforestation and
and its impacts
conversion free supply chains. ASC also
and decent work for all
a wide range of both large and small scale
producers to achieve this. works to protect mangroves and local
ASC certified farms must respect maternity biodiversity/wildlife, groundwater sources;
ASC standards require freedom of ASC certified farms must monitor energy
rights and benefits, protect the health of and promotes the responsible, controlled
association, the right to collective consumption and several standards also
pregnant women and must not discriminate handling and waste of chemical materials.
bargaining, and fair terms of employment require greenhouse gas recording and
based on gender, or any other grounds.
for all employees. They also prohibit the use reduction strategies. Furthermore, ASC’s
of forced, bonded or compulsory labour, standards promote the protection and
and child labour. conservation of environmentally critical areas.
12 asc-aqua.org asc-aqua.org 13
ASC Assurance Programme The M&E Framework & ASC’s Impact Pathways
ASC background
The M&E framework
ASC released the Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E) Framework in 2017 ASC draws upon a range of data types collected at varying scales and
Unmatched transparency and rigor thanks to our partners’ dedication and to describe how we will measure our progress in achieving our expected frequencies that are critical to informing our work in a number of ways,
contributions. outcomes and impacts as we implement our strategies to achieve our
Mission, the transformation of aquaculture towards environmental
such as: the assessment and communication of key environmental and
social impacts; ensuring our standards are effectively implemented and
sustainability and social responsibility. The M&E Framework was audited, with assurance across the supply chain; demonstrating our
developed in full compliance with the ISEAL Code of Good Practice for reach; and learning from farm performance to improve our standards.
i Assessing the Impacts of Social and Environmental Standards Systems,
which ensures sustainability standards are accurately and transparently
reporting on the impacts they deliver.
Our impact pathways shown here recognize the strategies, outputs and
outcomes that we expect to see as we continually work to achieve our
Mission.
Information is collected, reviewed and shared throughout the programme
Develops and maintains:
Sets codes that ensure:
Standards
Supply chain audit ensuring traceability of certified product
Stakeholder engagement
and transparent Certification & Accreditation
STRATEGIES outputs outcomes
dialogue Requirements
Effective assurance chain of Custody Short term Long term
models for consistency
and credibility
Science-based, demanding
Monitoring and standards developed
evaluation for Confidence and trust
continual improvement Provides oversight Independent 3rd party in ASC product origin,
Farm Audit
assurance programme supply chain and
and accreditation assurance programme Confidence and Minimised
Adherence to
trust in ASC negative
international guidelines product origin, effects on the
supply chain environment
and assurance
programme
Independent Certifiers conduct
P
romoting market
farm and supply chain audits uptake Market adoption
and expansion of
Building consumer ASC programme
awareness
Social
More farmers improvements
Improvement
implementing
ASC standards
Demand
Market
Certified farm Programme (IP)
established Farmers are aware
of benefits of
Collaboration to ASC programme
scale benefits
logo licensing
Processors and retailers Responsible
Claim and
farming is
Building internal viable
capacity Seafood buyers are
aware of the success Higher demand
of the ASC
Assessing programme for responsibly
impacts certified
seafood creates
incentives
14 asc-aqua.org asc-aqua.org 15
ASC Programme Reach
ASC Programme Reach
growth in farms & production volumes
Growth in Farms & certified volumes
1200
1000
NUMBER OF CERTIFIED FARMS
800
600
400
200
0
DEC 2012 DEC 2013 DEC 2014 DEC 2015 DEC 2016 DEC 2017 DEC 2018 DEC 2019
PANGASIUS TILAPIA SALMON TROUT SHRIMP BIVALVE ABALONE SERIOLA & COBIA SEABASS, SEABREAM & MEAGRE
Figure 1. Growth in the number of certified farms per species standard, from December 2012 to the end of 2019.
25
20
CERTIFIED PRODUCTION (x100,000 tonnes)
15
10
5
0
DEC 2012 DEC 2013 DEC 2014 DEC 2015 DEC 2016 DEC 2017 DEC 2018 DEC 2019
TILAPIA PANGASIUS SALMON SHRIMP TROUT BIVALVE ABALONE SERIOLA & COBIA SEABASS, SEABREAM & MEAGRE
Figure 2. Growth in farm-reported certified production (in metric tonnes) per species standard, from December 2012 to the end of 2019.
16 asc-aqua.org asc-aqua.org 17
Top countries per species
ASC Programme Reach
Top countries per species
bivalve
Figure 3. The four countries with the 9.31%
SHRIMP
Figure 5. The five countries with the
9.57%
other
3.09%
highest percentage of ASC certified
bivalve farms globally as of December 20.24% PERU highest percentage of ASC certified shrimp
farms globally as of December 2019; with
thailand
CHILE 5.26%
2019; with 3 countries representing 12 countries representing ’Other’. The
OTHER
’Other’. The numbers of farms certified numbers of farms certified by country and
by country and standard are provided in standard are provided in Annex 1. 10.49% 5.56%
Annex 1. ECUADOR honduras
47.22%
VIETNAM
22.27% 42.91%
JAPAN FRANCE 24.07%
INDIA
TROUT
Figure 4. The eight countries with ASC
Salmon
Figure 6. The five countries with the highest
1.75%
certified trout farms as of December 2019. percentage of ASC certified salmon farms
45.61% ICELAND
The numbers of farms certified by country globally as of December 2019; with 5
52.30%
DENMARK
and standard are provided in Annex 1. countries representing ’Other’. The numbers
1.75% of farms certified by country and standard
NORWAY
GREECE 3.16% are provided in Annex 1.
7.02% OTHER
SPAIN
14.04%
ITALY 27.01% 2.30%
CHILE
AUSTRALIA
3.51% 1.75%
FRANCE
GERMANY
24.56% 4.89%
TURKEY 10.34% DENMARK
CANADA
18 asc-aqua.org asc-aqua.org 19Top countries per species
ASC Programme Reach
Top countries per species
Seriola 6.25% 6.25%
MEXICO
TilapiA
& CobiA
PANAMA
Figure 9. The five countries with the 32.56%
CHINA
highest percentage of ASC certified tilapia
farms globally as of December 2019; with 20.93%
6.25%
DENMARK
5 countries representing ’Other’. The
numbers of farms certified by country and INDONESIA
Figure 7. The six countries with ASC certified standard are provided in Annex 1.
Seriola & Cobia farms as of December 2019.
The numbers of farms certified by country and
standard are provided in Annex 1.
31.25% 43.75% 18.60%
18.60% 9.30%
JAPAN OTHER BRAZIL COLOMBIA
AUSTRALIA
6.25%
netherlands
Seabass,
Seabream
5.56%
SOUTH AFRICA abalone Figure 8. The five countries with ASC
12.12%
SPAIN & meagre
certified abalone farms as of December 2019.
The numbers of farms certified by country Figure 10. The five countries with ASC certified
42.42%
5.56% and standard are provided in Annex 1. Seabass, Seabream & Meagre farms as of December
NEW ZEALAND 15.15% 2019. The numbers of farms certified by country and
TURKEY
3.03%
ALBANIA CROATIA standard are provided in Annex 1.
77.78%
SOUTH KOREA 5.56%
AUSTRALIA
27.27%
5.56% GREECE
CHINA
20 asc-aqua.org asc-aqua.org 21ASC FARM LOCATIONS
ASC Programme Reach
ASC FARM LOCATIONS
5
ICELAND 182
NORWAY
7 44
UNITED
36 3 KINGDOM
DENMARK
CANADA
IRELAND 1 2
NETHERLANDS 1 POLAND
GERMANY
110
FRANCE 5
8 CROATIA
7 ITALY
1 28
SPAIN ALBANIA
10 TURKEY
25 14 63
GREECE JAPAN
CHINA SOUTH
KOREA
8 78 2
MEXICO INDIA
BANGLADESH
20 202
HONDURAS
2 10
THAILAND VIETNAM
2 COSTA RICA
1
NICARAGUA
2 6 NIGERIA
PANAMA
4 VENEZUELA
1
COLOMBIA MALAYSIA
34
ECUADOR 14
INDONESIA
1
8 TANZANIA
BRAZIL
27
PERU
2
MADAGASCAR
15
AUSTRALIA
1
206 SOUTH AFRICA
CHILE
1
number of ASC certified farms NEW ZEALAND
1 206
Figure 11. The total number of ASC certified farms per country as of the end of 2019.
22 asc-aqua.org asc-aqua.org 23Number of workers on ASC certified farms
ASC Programme Reach
Number of workers on certified farms
440
TROUT
1,414
tilapia
434
Seriola
& COBIA
535
SEABASS,
SEABREAM
& MEAGRE
1,874
salmon
12,969
7,144
SHRIMP
339
pangasius
705
TILAP
bivalve
TIL PIA IA
TILAPAIA PANGA
PANGAS SIUS
85
SALMO
PANG ASIUIU
S
S
SALMO N abalone
SHRIM
SALM N
ON SHRIMPP TROUT
SHRIMP TROUT BIVALVE
TROUT BIV ABALON
BIVAALLVVEE ABA ONE SERILO
ABALLO E
NE
A
SERILO & COBIA
SERILOA & COBIA SEABAS
S
A & COB SEABAS , SEABREAM &
IA
SEABASS, SEABRE MEA
S, SEAB AM & MEGRE
REAM & AGRE
Figure 12. Total number of workers working on ASC certified farms per species standard, MEAGR
E
as of the end of 2019. The central figure is the total for the individual standards combined
24 asc-aqua.org asc-aqua.org 25product and market trends
ASC Programme Reach
product growth
Product Growth in Key Markets
BRAZIL
AMERICAS
UNITED STATES
CANADA
SINGAPORE
ASIA-PACIFIC
JAPAN
CHINA
AUSTRALIA
SPAIN
SOUTHERN EUROPE
ITALY
FRANCE
UNITED KINGDOM
SWITZERLAND
SWEDEN
NETHERLANDS
GERMANY
NORTHWEST EUROPE
FINLAND
DENMARK
BELGIUM
AUSTRIA
0 500 1000 1500 2000 2500 3000 3500
NUMBER OF ASC LABELLED PRODUCTS PRODUCTS PER ANNUM
2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019
Figure 13. Growth in ASC certified products per country and region, up to the end of 2019.
26 asc-aqua.org asc-aqua.org 27Commercial Updates per region
ASC programme reach
commercial updates per region
Europe
The world’s first ever ASC labelled products were launched in Europe in August
2012. Newly certified tilapia from a farm operated by Regal Springs in
Indonesia was brought to market by retailers including Albert Heijn (Alhold),
Jumbo and Migros and seafood companies such as Queens, TopSea, Costa and
bofrost*. Suppliers such Anova and Mayonna played an important role in
getting products into the market as well. Since then ASC’s presence in Europe
has grown rapidly.
Northern European countries quickly took to Netherlands and almost every major Dutch headquartered in Europe have made strong
ASC certified products with around 450 products retailer in August 2013. commitments to ASC, with these commitments
on sale in The Netherlands, Switzerland often driving an increase in ASC products in
and Germany by the end of 2013. The ASC The second half of 2014 saw the launch of two markets beyond the continent. Companies such
programme was welcomed in northwest Europe new standards covering farmed salmon and as Lidl, IKEA and Nomad Foods Europe – owner
with great enthusiasm, particularly among shrimp. Producers of these species were quick of brands such as Birds Eye and Findus – have
retailers already offering MSC certified wild to respond and seek certification, especially all made strong commitments, many of which
caught seafood. Their interest, their committed Vietnamese and Ecuadorian shrimp producers, started in Europe but are now spreading to the
suppliers and the interest of consumers in and Norwegian salmon farmers. Both species companies’ other markets.
choosing certified products, created a fertile are important in the Netherlands, Belgium,
ground for the ASC programme. Switzerland, Germany and Austria, meaning Though the programme kicked off in
ASC labelled shrimp and salmon products were northwest mainland Europe, recent years
quick to appear in these countries. have seen increasing interest in the United
The following year saw even greater growth – a Kingdom and in the south of the continent,
150% year on year increase in certified products, particularly France, Spain and Italy which are
and a spread to new countries, thanks to early the seafood loving countries in Europe. These
adopters like the Colruyt Group in Belgium, and markets are likely to see much more growth in
Migros and Coop in Switzerland. the future. The increasing availability of ASC
certified seabass and sea bream, and the future
A major shift occurred in France in 2016, when supply of certified flatfish species will further
Aldi and Lidl rolled out ASC certified products, catalyse growth.
and Carrefour France certified their fresh fish
counters. French interest in the ASC was further
helped by a growing awareness of seafood
sustainability issues, the uptake of MSC labelled
products, and an increasing supply of ASC
Collaboration was key to this early success. certified shrimp and salmon. As a result, the
Retailers such as Albert Heijn, Jumbo, Aldi country experienced an increase of 1,000 ASC
and Lidl displayed a strong commitment to labelled products from 2018 – 2020.
sourcing certified seafood. This collaboration
led to the first successful joint awareness ASC’s strong presence in Europe also impacts
campaign between ASC, MSC, WWF the rest of the world – many global companies
28 asc-aqua.org asc-aqua.org 29Americas Asia and Australia
ASC programme reach
commercial updates per region
ASC’s presence in North America began in 2014 in Canada. One early Asia is perhaps the world’s most important region with regard to
adopter who helped bring ASC to consumers’ attention was the aquaculture, both in terms of production and consumption. Around
retailer Loblaw, which added ASC certified seafood to its shelves as 90% of global aquaculture production takes place in the region, and
part of its strong commitment to seafood sustainability. per capita consumption of seafood is high in many Asian countries.
The United States is globally an important strong foundation for further ASC growth in this ASC labelled products first appeared in Asia Processing and Marketing Alliance (CAPPMA) help strengthen the standards, it also helped
seafood market and also a unique one – important market in the coming years. in 2014 in Japan, when AEON began selling to encourage and assist tilapia producers in local producers understand how ASC could be
requiring an approach that is aligned with its ASC certified salmon in stores around the the country preparing for ASC certification. relevant to the industry in China. Another recent
size and diversity. The growth of ASC in the US Further south, ASC first gained traction in country. AEON has continued to be a very active As a result, the first Chinese farms achieved collaboration saw ASC and CAPPMA team up
began in the past two years, in which time the Brazil with the Rio Olympic Games in 2016 after supporter of the ASC programme, not only in certification in 2015. These early adopters, such with local charity Qingdao Marine Conservation
number of ASC labelled products has doubled the International Olympic Committee (IOC) educating Japanese shoppers about making as Xiangtai, Sky-Blue Ocean Foods and Qinfu, Society (QMCS) to work together towards
to 330 (as of January 2020). However it has, as announced that only ASC and MSC certified responsible choices, but also by engaging with are still strongly engaged with the programme. protecting the Yellow Sea region.
anticipated, been a very different and more seafood would be served at the Games. their suppliers in Vietnam, Chile and Japan to More farms have since achieved certification,
challenging endeavour to establish an ASC The IOC also made an effort to prioritise move them towards ASC certification. producing ASC certified tilapia, scallops, clams, The ASC gained a foothold in Australia in 2014,
presence in the US market. local producers, with three of the largest mussels, and shrimp. when three Tasmanian Atlantic salmon farming
tilapia producers in the country - Netuno, The first certified farming operation in Japan companies moved towards ASC certification.
BrasFish, and Geneseas - able to achieve was the Shizugawa branch of the Miyagi This triggered one of the major supermarkets
ASC certification in time to offer responsibly Prefecture Fisheries Co-operative, which in Australia, Coles, to kickstart its offer of ASC
produced tilapia during the games. ASC has achieved certification in 2016 after a remarkable labelled Australian salmon. In 2015, Coles was
since gradually grown its presence in the recovery and reorganisation following the the first major supermarket in Australia to obtain
country, thanks to more retail collaborations. devastating tsunami of 2011 (see case study on ASC chain of custody certification for seafood
Particularly important was the rapidly growing page 44). deli counters. By collaborating with partners
In the US the food service sector is of frozen retail company Swift, which recognised including iconic local company Mures, as well
major importance and already has strong the business opportunity in offering ASC As of January 2020, there are over 500 ASC as Aldi, IKEA, Coles and Woolworths, ASC is
Ever since ASC certified shrimp and salmon partnerships with sustainable seafood NGOs, certified responsibly produced seafood. After labelled products on sale in Japan, thanks working hard to educate consumers and build
became commercially available in late 2014, relying on their comparisons and ratings of introducing ASC labelled tilapia in 2018, the not only to the support of AEON, but also to On the consumer side, international retailers awareness of the importance of responsible
Loblaw has been steadily adding to its ASC different certification programmes. ASC has company added ASC salmon to its product COOP Japan (JCCU), IKEA, Itoyokado and operating in China such as IKEA, Metro, AEON aquaculture. Although Australia imports a lot
certified range. Other influential companies collaborated with some of these important range, with ASC labelled products now more recently Seiyu. Outside of the retail sector, and Walmart have all introduced certified of seafood, many retailers such as Coles and
such as Aramark Canada also helped to spread NGOs, most notably World Wildlife Fund available in over 200 stores. Panasonic have introduced ASC and MSC seafood for sale. Home-grown retailers have Woolworths like to focus on locally produced
the availability of ASC certified products. As of (WWF) and the Monterey Bay Aquarium certified meals to their company canteens, also begun to embrace the ASC programme, species, meaning strong demand from their
January 2020 there are over 500 ASC labelled Seafood Watch programme, which recognises with other large corporations following suit. with e-commerce giant JD.com prioritising customers can help encourage local producers
products available in Canada. the ASC Salmon Standard as equivalent to at World leading seafood companies such as certified seafood, Ole promoting certified to seek ASC certification and minimise their
least a Good Alternative. Target introduced Maruha Nichiro and Nissui have also played seafood in a dedicated freezer section and impacts. Furthermore, whilst salmon is an
Canada is also one of the world’s major ASC labelled salmon as a result of this an important role in producing and processing Hema Fresh (owned by Alibaba) committing in important species for home-grown seafood,
producing countries for farmed seafood, benchmarking. In partnership with WWF, Hilton certified products. 2018 to offer 100% ASC certified salmon in their it is far from the only species farmed in the
with salmon and trout farms on the east and and Royal Caribbean launched several sourcing 120 stores. As of January 2020, there are over country. ASC certified farms in Australia are
west coasts. By January 2020, 35 salmon commitments, including one to offer ASC The Tokyo Olympic Games (now postponed) 400 ASC labelled products for sale in China. producing species as diverse as abalone, black
farming sites were ASC certified, between certified seafood for their guests. IKEA, Aldi will offer ASC and MSC labelled seafood: tiger prawns, cobia and seriola, and work
them producing 6% of the globally available and Lidl have also introduced ASC labelled a major opportunity to raise further awareness of ASC has also been working with the Chinese is also underway to get local producers of
certified salmon volume. The debate around products into their US stores as part of their the need for responsible and certified seafood government, other NGOs, and research barramundi, grouper and mussels interested
the sustainability of salmon farming and the global commitments to responsible seafood. products in Japan and beyond. institutes such as the Chinese Academy of in certification. The local availability of such a
role of ASC certification in independently Fisheries Science. For example, ASC engaged range of responsibly produced species, will
assuring best practices based on solid The ASC Salmon and Shrimp Standards have ASC’s presence in China started in 2012, with Chinese producers and researchers during the be instrumental in further growing awareness
standards, will further shape uptake of the also been recognised by the Global Sustainable ASC entering an EU-supported collaboration development of the ASC standards for Flatfish of, and demand for, ASC products among
programme in Canada. Seafood Initiative (GSSI). All of this has laid a with WWF and China Aquatic Products and Tropical Marine Finfish. Not only did this Australian retailers and consumers.
30 asc-aqua.org asc-aqua.org 31Expanding Our Scope
Programme updates
Expanding Our Scope & Research in focus: ASC salmon
As part of ASC’s commitment to continuous improvement, a number of new projects and
standards have been developed to ensure that ASC can advance responsible practices
throughout the aquaculture industry. These are always based on an analysis of how ASC
can best use its resources to have the greatest impact on a rapidly growing industry.
The projects below are examples of this, and demonstrate how ASC can expand its impact
by covering new areas of production, add increasingly important species to the programme,
or improve accessibility for small-scale producers.
Feed Seaweed
Feed is a major component of the environmental and social footprint Seaweed has been cultivated for thousands of years for use as
of aquaculture, and with increasing awareness of the potential a fertiliser, and for food and medicinal purposes, but interest in
impacts of producing fishmeal, fish oil, and many land-based this marine algae is now growing rapidly, thanks to its versatility.
ingredients, ASC is working to define what constitutes responsible Current applications include food, heath products, cosmetics, fuel,
fish feed. medicines, fertiliser and biofuel.
While ASC standards already include requirements on feed, the
new Feed Standard will cover all ingredients that make up more
than 1% of a feed formulation. This means that importantly, it will
set requirements for the sourcing of fishmeal and fish oil, and also
terrestrial ingredients, such as soy, wheat, rice and corn.
The global ASC Feed Standard will act as a tool to help recognise
and reward responsible aquaculture feed and will be applicable to
all ASC farm standards. It will look at the varied impacts that feed
production can have, including over-harvesting, labour conditions,
greenhouse gas emissions and deforestation. Seaweed can be farmed and wild harvested, and as a result,
ASC joined forces with the Marine Stewardship Council (MSC)
Following two rounds of public consultation and approval from to develop the two organisations’ first joint standard, the ASC- Research in focus
ASC salmon standard compared
ASC’s Technical Advisory Group and Supervisory Board, the Feed MSC Seaweed Standard. Released in 2017 after two years of
Standard will be published in Q3-2020. development, the standard benefits from the combined expertise
of ASC and MSC in standard-setting and certification, and
Group Certification
allows producers to demonstrate that they are environmentally
sustainable and socially responsible.
with regional regulations
A significant proportion of global aquaculture is practiced by small-
scale producers, and some of these will not be able to afford the cost Environmentally, seaweed operations must show that they In this August 2019 article1, a group The study specifically looked at the advantages over existing regional/
of certification, thereby posing a challenge for ASC as it works to drive maintain sustainable wild populations and actively minimise of Swedish scientists from Södertörn differences between government national standards and these relate to:
improvements around the world. To help address this issue, the their impact on the surrounding natural environment. Socially, University and the Stockholm Resilience regulations for salmon farming in the escape numbers allowed, antibiotic
Group Certification methodology was launched in Vietnam in April the operations must be managed in an effective and socially Centre (SRC) at Stockholm University, four largest salmon producing regions - usage and fish resources in feed.” They
2019, and makes applying for ASC certification more accessible for responsible manner, caring for their employees, working with highlighted four main sustainability Norway, Chile, Scotland (UK) and British concluded: “Changing these three main
small producers. the local community, and being good and conscientious concerns associated with the fast growing Columbia (Canada) - and compared them divergences in the national/regional
neighbours. The standard establishes a robust and efficient salmon aquaculture industry globally: with some of the requirements of the regulations would significantly improve
Group Certification allows smaller-scale producers to join together as framework to certify seaweed through scientific understanding ASC Salmon Standard for their stringency some of the main sustainability issues
a group to collectively implement the requirements of ASC standards. and industry best practices. It is applicable to both global wild • Farmers’ interaction with wildlife in addressing the above-mentioned with uncertified salmon farming.” In
This enables the sharing of costs and resources involved in meeting harvest and aquaculture seaweed operations of all sizes. The sustainability concerns. This enabled the particular, they found that “the feed
ASC requirements and auditing them. However, the applicable standard also provides a tool to benchmark best practice and • Fish health and how use (or overuse) of researchers to calculate the “potential impact category is where the ASC
requirements of the standard remain the same, and every part of the incentivises improvements. antibiotics in some regions can lead to additionality” of the ASC standard, i.e. the requirements have the highest potential
group must meet these requirements to achieve certification. In this antimicrobial resistance (AMR) positive “quantifiable differences” between for additionality.” The study also found
way the methodology makes the benefits of ASC certification more The first two seaweed operations were certified in 2019, and the ASC standard and national/regional that the potential additionality of the
accessible, without lowering the requirements of the ASC standards. demonstrate the varied nature of seaweed production and its • Environmental impacts of farms’ effluents legislation or policies. ASC standard can differ between regions.
many benefits. One produces microalgae used in cosmetics It is highest in Chile, followed by British
The ASC Group Certification Methodology is the result of several and health supplements, whilst the other produces wakame, a • ‘High’ dependence of fish feeds on They found that “at present the ASC Columbia and Scotland, and lowest
years’ work, guided by a diverse technical working group and more traditional seaweed that is mostly sold as food around the wild-caught fish resources. standard has mainly three strong in Norway.
public consultation, and piloted in Indonesia, Vietnam, Bangladesh world. What they have in common is an assurance that they are
and Finland. minimising their environmental and social impacts.
32 asc-aqua.org asc-aqua.org 33
asc-aqua.org 33Measuring on-farm change:
Measuring on-farm change
Methodology
methodology
Background
In order for a farm to become ASC certified, it must meet the
requirements as defined in the relevant ASC standard and the
Certification and Accreditation Requirements (CAR). Farms seeking
certification are audited by independent third-party auditors from
accredited Conformity Assessment Bodies (CAB). The rigour of this
process is overseen by a third-party accreditor, Assurance Services
International (ASI). Audit reports, including findings, are fully disclosed
on the ASC website and open for public comment.
The auditor assesses the farm during an audit. When an auditor
detects a shortcoming, they raise a “non-conformity” (NC). Depending
on the severity of the issue detected, a NC can be either “major” or
“minor”. A minor NC is for smaller, isolated incidences that are unlikely
to seriously jeopardise the integrity of the certified product, whereas
a major NC is for more systemic failures that may result in a failure of a overview
farm to achieve the objectives of the ASC standard (see Annex 2 All NCs were collected from a sample (see below) of audit reports across
for definitions). 4 key species standards: Salmon, Shrimp, Tilapia, and Bivalve. Within
each species standard sample, countries were grouped into regions
Once an NC is raised, the farm must develop and implement where sample sizes for the country alone were too low. To further aid
a corrective action plan to address the NC. The results of the interpretation, each standard’s indicators were grouped into impact
implementation of the corrective action plan are verified by the auditor. areas taken from the ASC M&E framework. Lastly, each farm was given
From these raised non-conformities, an analysis of trends gives insights an “effort-adjusted non-conformity score” for each audit. This is a
into the rate at which issues are being detected and addressed on ASC measure of the non-conformance of a farm against the relevant standard
certified farms. This provides a direct link between the auditing of a that accounts for the relative severity of minor and major NCs and the
farm and improvements needed to meet the ASC standard, allowing comparative amount of scrutiny the farm may have faced during audit
some conclusions to be drawn about the changes that ASC is driving (measured as the number of days spent on site by the CAB auditors).
on the ground. For further presentation, average effort-adjust non-conformity scores
have been calculated per year for each country or region and for each
species standard, with these then being presented in separate sections
for the environmental and social impact areas (pages 40-43 and 46-49
respectively). Lastly, we briefly explore some of the potential reasons for
farms leaving the programme on page 50.
Sampling
A sampling approach has been taken to collect the details of NCs
from audit reports published between the start of the ASC programme
and March 2019, focusing on the 4 ASC standards with the greatest
certified production volume: Salmon, Shrimp, Tilapia, and Bivalve
(see page 17). These 4 species groups accounted for 85% of total
ASC certified production volume as of March 2019, with a total of 993
audit reports sampled across these species representing 62% of all
audits conducted in that same time period (i.e. 1609 audits across all
species standards up to March 2019). Audits from sites that were still
certified as of March 2019 were the primary focus of sampling as this
ensured that data collected would also be of most immediate use for
other aspects of ASC’s work. A detailed breakdown of the total audits
sampled per species is given in Table 1. Due to low sample sizes,
grouping of countries into regions was necessary in several cases.
Shown in Table 2 are the countries with low sample sizes that were
therefore included in each regional grouping per species standard.
34 asc-aqua.org asc-aqua.org 35You can also read
