The Aquaculture Stewardship Council (ASC) released its 2022 Annual Impacts Report, Setting the Standard for Seafood that gives a thorough, easy-access analysis of measurable impacts that were made in 2022 as part being made along the course of its mission—to transform aquaculture towards environmental sustainability and social responsibility.

2022 was a year of growth for the ASC, bringing amplified awareness of the ASC label across markets, expanded uptake of the ASC program with increased numbers of ASC-certified farms, delivery of key program certification and assurance improvements, and a new executive board to steer ASC forward into its next decade.

ASC-certified farm sites increased by 22%, delivering an additional 14% in ASC-labeled products to consumers worldwide. ASC-certified farms delivered over 1,400 environmental and over 700 social improvements on farms and its campaigns drove brand awareness and market demand – leading to a 144 % growth in ASC-certified Scottish salmon farms, as one example.

“It is increasingly being recognized that the aquaculture industry must play a more active role in addressing challenges associated with the demands of a growing human population,” said Chris Ninnes, CEO of ASC. “I am proud of the robust work we are carrying out within ASC to contribute and continue to refine our strategies in support of our mission. And we know that as a sector, we can only continue our positive impacts through strong collaboration and a clear action plan.”​

“To deliver on our mission of transforming aquaculture, it’s crucial that we carefully track and publicly share the impacts of ASC’s work,” said Jill Swasey, ASC’s head of impacts. “We see the tangible benefits of ASC certification on farm workers and the environment, and we look forward to increasingly reporting on ASC’s impacts as our program continues to grow.”