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Aquaculture Stewardship Council Update

ASC Feed Standard: driving Amsterdam for the ASC Responsible improvements in the Feed Project briefing event. Experts in aquaculture feed industry marine, plant and animal ingredients, as Feed is an essential element in farming, well as supply chain and feed mill repre- but it is also a major contributor to the sentatives, came together demonstrating overall environmental impact of aqua- that the sector is committed to a respon- culture. The environmental pressure sible future for fish feed production. ASC - a global initiative to created by the production of the key This year there will be two public move aquaculture towards ingredients in fish feed needs to be review rounds of the draft Feed Standard. The related audit manual that sustainable farming practices addressed. The ASC is developing a globally will guide auditors in applying the stan- The Aquaculture Stewardship Council’s applicable Responsible Feed Standard. A dard will then be developed, followed by (ASC) mission is to transform fish multi-stakeholder expert group includ- a field test for the standard and audit farming towards environmental sus- ing industry, scientists and conservation manual. tainability and social responsibility. group representatives has been carefully The ASC Responsible Feed Standard is ASC works with stakeholders around selected to develop the standard. The set to go live in the first quarter of 2016. the world including farmers, seafood feed standard will set requirements that When the standard is finalised it will be processors, and foodservice com- reflect industry best practice and devel- available for anyone who wants to use it. panies, scientists, government agencies, op the consensus needed to support the To find out more about the ASC and other NGOs. Together these stake- aquaculture feed industry to operate on Responsible Feed Standard develop- holders developed the credible and a more environmentally sound and ment, or to provide feedback on the robust ASC standards for responsible socially responsible basis. draft standard, please visit the aquaculture. In September 2014, around 50 Responsible Feed Project page on ASC’s ASC operates an exciting and ambi- website www.asc-aqua.org. tious certification and labelling pro- experts met for the first time in gramme that helps drive improvements in aquaculture by encouraging farms to adopt more responsible practices.

A year of growth This year ASC celebrated its fifth anniversary, announcing there are now more than 150 ASC certified farms and close to 3,000 ASC labelled products globally. Notable work over the last year includes moving ahead with the ASC Feed Standard and group certification scheme; kicking off the standard har- monisation and operational review pro- ject; and further collaboration with its MOU partners Global Aquaculture Alliance (GAA) and GLOBALG.A.P. In addition, the Seriola and Cobia Standard was handed over to the ASC; and the first certified trout, shrimp and bivalves farms were welcomed into the programme. Photo courtesy of Nicolas Privet

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AQUACULTURE ASC AQUACULTURE Further Developments

Harmonising the ASC standards ASC has launched a project to har- monise its eight farm standards, with a primary focus on structure, to create one core ASC Standard. The core stan- dard will cover the generic require- ments, while species’ or production method specific requirements will be covered in related annexes. The current ASC farm standards are being reviewed and commonalities across them identified. The aim is to har- monise criteria where possible while maintaining species' or production method specific requirements where needed. Having one core standard will ensure

consistency across common issues, and Chris Ninnes, ASC; Wally Stevens, GAA; and Kristian Moeller, GLOBALG.A.P. provide greater clarity for farmers, audi- Photo courtesy of ASC tors and other stakeholders. It will allow ASC to include other species in a more efficient manner, therefore, shortening ASC group certification tion, as it provides a gap-analysis the time it takes to get the certified prod- The majority of farms globally are between the farm’s current performance ucts of new species to market. small to medium sized operations. The levels and the ASC standard’s require- To find out more or get involved in the ASC is now adjusting its requirements ments. Interested farms and certification project visit the ASC Core Standard to enable groups of farms to work col- bodies can register for the pilot at certi- Development page on the ASC website lectively towards compliance with its [email protected]. Farms and certi- www.asc-aqua.org. standards. These requirements will sup- fiers will share the costs for the pilots. port a group certification approach. The programme is expected to go live Operational review of three Group certification will allow ASC to in 2016. ASC standards operate a more open and inclusive For more information visit the Group A public consultation on the proposal programme, making certification attain- Certification project page on ASC’s for improving the ASC pangasius, able for a broad range of producers. It website www.asc-aqua.org. tilapia and salmon standards was will ensure that the ASC programme is launched in 2015. This is an opportuni- accessible to small-scale farmers, ASC, GAA and GLOBALG.A.P. ty for stakeholders to take part in ASC's creating valuable opportunities for them to introduce combined audit operational review and offer their views to seek ASC certification. checklists on how to improve ASC's standards. An initial draft of the group To increase audit efficiency, ASC, This is not a complete review of the certification requirements is expected to Global Aquaculture Alliance (GAA) standards. There will be a focus on areas be available at the end of 2015. When and GLOBALG.A.P. have drafted and where the effectiveness of a standard has finalised, these will be added to ASC’s agreed combined checklists for farms not met expectations. The review is gov- existing Farm Certification and that seek more than one certificate. erned by the guidelines set out in the Accreditation Requirements and will A combined checklist minimises ISEAL Code of Conduct for Standard apply to all of the ASC standards. duplication of audit points between Setting. The Terms of Reference will be The initial draft methodology will be schemes. The checklist will comprise all revised based on public feedback and field tested and published for public the audit points of one standard supple- the standards will be reviewed according consultation. Pilots are anticipated to mented by specific add-on clauses for to the identified improvement areas. take place between the end of 2015 and the other standard(s). A farm that seeks Read more about the Operational early 2016. multiple certifications can select any one Review on the project page on ASC’s Field test participation is a useful step of the three programmes as the primary website www.asc-aqua.org. for farms to prepare for their certifica- standard and then select the desired

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add-on(s). If a farm proves to be ASC joined ISEAL as an associate The Think Fish Week is an initiative of compliant with the schemes' standards it member in 2012. All ISEAL members the ASC, the Marine Stewardship may be eligible to gain two certificates must adhere to the ISEAL Credibility Council (MSC) and the World Wide (or later even three) through this process. Principles, meet the criteria set out in Fund for Nature (WWF). Pilots for combined ASC and ISEAL's Codes of Good Practice and During Think Fish Week consumers GLOBALG.A.P. audits covering shrimp, commit to continuous improvement. are reminded that they can contribute to salmon and pangasius, and for ASC and The standard setting process intro- a healthy ocean. Through in-store GAA’s BAP standards covering pangasius, duced by ASC was evaluated by an promotions and out of store campaigns are underway this year. If successful, external assessor to confirm it was in customers are informed that they can these audits can result in farms obtaining compliance with the ISEAL Standard- easily make a responsible choice for multiple certificates. Auditors will be Setting Code. Following the defined certified seafood. The on-pack ASC logo able to combine audits to a large extent. standard setting procedure, the assessor assures consumers that the fish has been In order for them to grant certification will review ASC's implementation of its farmed in a responsible manner that against individual schemes a farm will ongoing projects later this year. ASC limits the environmental and social need to meet all the scheme's requirements. will then be subject to a peer review to impacts of aquaculture. Other species are likely to be consid- assess its monitoring and evaluation Dutch consumers increasingly prefer ered after the field tests have been system against the ISEAL Impacts Code sustainable seafood. And, with one out evaluated and other combined pilot and its accreditation and certification of three products in Dutch retail stores audits will be available soon. system against the ISEAL Assurance carrying the ASC logo or MSC ecolabel, In 2013, ASC, GAA and Code. retailers actively invest in helping GLOBALG.A.P. signed an Memorandum customers make this choice. of Understanding (MOU) pledging to Dutch consumer campaign This September, Think Fish Week will work together to achieve greater efficien- helps retail promote ASC be held in Belgium for the first time as cies and enable wider access to their cer- certified seafood well as in the . tification programmes. By reducing The second edition of the annual Think To find out more about Think Fish duplication across the three programmes’ Fish Week was held in the Netherlands Week, please visit the Think Fish Week auditing processes, the three organisa- in September 2014. The consumer cam- website (in Dutch) at tions hope to make certification more paign attracted a record-breaking num- www.bewustevisweek.nl. accessible for farmers and processors. ber of participants including Dutch GAA and GLOBALG.A.P. are also chains, seafood suppliers * Dutch retailers that took part in Think involved in the development of ASC’s and well-known seafood brands. During Fish Week 2014 include: (Ahold), , , Dekamarkt, , global feed standard, acting as feed steer- the week, responsibly farmed and sus- ing committee observers and providing EMTE, Hoogvliet, Jan Linders, , , tainably caught seafood was promoted MCD / Boon, PLUS, Poiesz, expertise in the technical working by Dutch retailers in almost all stores and purchasing organisation groups. Last year, the three organisations across the Netherlands.* . identified and published common requirements on responsible sourcing of fishmeal and fish oil across the programmes’ standards. Other activities identified in the MOU include joint work on developing com- mon approaches to auditor training, shared approaches to chain of custody and to the management of certificate information through shared IT platforms.

ASC becomes full member of ISEAL The ASC has been accepted as a full member of the ISEAL Alliance. This means that ASC is in full compliance with ISEAL's Standard-Setting Code. ISEAL is the global membership asso- ciation for sustainability standards. Its mission is to strengthen standards sys- tems for the benefit of people and the environment by defining credibility and bringing organisations together to strengthen their effectiveness.

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This March, ASC launched a new film 'Transforming Aquaculture in the State of Rio de Janeiro'. It tells the story of some of the Brazilian farmers who are dedicated to the transformation of aquaculture in the state of Rio. The film supports the efforts of the State of Rio de Janeiro, its aquaculture industry and the Rio 2016 Olympic Committee to improve the environmental and social impacts of aquaculture in the region. Seen for the first time at Seafood Expo North America in Boston, the film highlights how commitments such as that of the Rio 2016 Olympic Committee can act as a catalyst for environmental and social improvements. In the film, ASC Brazil Manager, Laurent Viguié, talks with representatives of the Rio 2016 Olympic Committee and State Photo courtesy of ASC of Rio de Janeiro; and visits some of the farms that have committed to ASC certification in order to supply seafood ASC celebrates fifth certified companies and almost 250 logo to the Rio 2016 Olympic and Paralympic anniversary licence holders. Games. In April, the ASC came together with its ASC has seen a growing willingness Brazil is one of the global emerging partners and supporters to recognise from retailers, food service companies markets where ASC must demonstrate half a decade of working together on and brands in committing to improving relevance if it is to achieve its vision. The transforming aquaculture towards global aquaculture by driving demand State of Rio is among the leading seafood environmental sustainability and social for ASC certified seafood. And, the producers in the country. And, responsibility. collective support by several key global according to estimates, there are approx- Around 100 people joined ASC to initiatives has helped establish the ASC imately 1000 aquaculture farmers in the help celebrate its fifth anniversary at as a leader in aquaculture certification state. the Seafood Expo Global in Brussels. and labelling. The film was part of ASC’s partner And, guests enjoyed samples of ASC ASC also hosted its annual partner update meeting in Boston, which drew certified oysters, supplied by Jersey update during the Seafood Expo Global an audience of supporters who Oyster Company which was certified in Brussels. It brought together a panel discussed what drives change in against the ASC Bivalves Standard in of industry representatives including aquaculture. With a programme April 2015. Marine Harvest, Skretting Group, focusing on how commitments to the The ASC programme has only been Seafish and Belgian retailer Colruyt. ASC are helping to transform certifying farms for a couple of years. The panel session focused on current aquaculture, the meeting brought In this short period, more than 200 aquaculture issues, highlighting feed together a distinguished panel represent- farms entered the programme, of which and social concerns and how businesses ing the aquaculture industry, including more than 150 have been certified to the are addressing these risks and producers Marine Harvest Canada and ASC standards. Now, there are nearly challenges. It also allowed for discussion the Belize Shrimp Growers Association, 3,000 ASC labelled products, more than around the role of certification and distributor and wholesaler Calkins 500,000 metric tons of ASC certified programmes in relation to these issues & Burke Ltd. The panel discussion seafood, over 500 chain of custody and how ASC can further support the revolved around how producers are dri- industry. ving change, and the role of supply To watch a video recording of the ASC change partners in this process. partner update meeting, please visit the ASC video channel on YouTube.

ASC helping to transform aquaculture in the State of Rio de Janeiro The Rio 2016 Organising Committee has pledged that by the time of the Rio 2016 Olympics all of the seafood com- ing from aquaculture that enters the Photo courtesy of ASC Olympic village will be ASC certified. Photo courtesy of ASC

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AQUACULTURE ASC AQUACULTURE Programme overview: initial eight ASC standards launched

ASC Shrimp Standard the Vietnamese pangasius production for The ASC anticipates that the standard Since spring 2014 farms have been able export became certified to the ASC stan- and audit manual will be ready for to enter assessment against the ASC dard. There are now 46 ASC certified launch in the last quarter of 2015. Shrimp Standard, and the first audit pangasius producers, with more farms in took place in the summer. In October assessment. Standards development: grouper, 2014, Ecuador-based OMARSA became snapper, barramundi the first farm to gain certification against ASC Tilapia Standard A new Aquaculture Dialogue for the ASC Shrimp Standard. The first ASC In 2012, the ASC Tilapia Standard was grouper, snapper and barramundi was certified shrimp products were launched the first to go live, and by August that set up by the WWF in 2013. Further in Germany, Austria, Switzerland, year ASC celebrated the launch of the information can be found on WWF’s Denmark and Sweden in December. first certified tilapia products to the mar- website at wwf.panda.org. ket. Since then the ASC tilapia pro- ASC Freshwater Trout Standard gramme has been steadily growing, with The first trout farm audits took place in 28 farms certified to date in Colombia, For more information about ASC spring 2014. By July, Danforel’s Costa Rica, Ecuador, Honduras, please contact Sun Brage on Christiansminde Freshwater Farm in Indonesia, Malaysia, Mexico, Taiwan [email protected] or Denmark became the first ASC certified and Vietnam. +31 (0)30 2305 692. trout producer. Since then a further five trout operations in Denmark and seven ASC Abalone Standard Details accurate as at May 2015 in Italy have gained certification, making The ASC Abalone programme was a total of 13 ASC certified trout farms opened in 2014 following a successful globally. ASC certified trout products pilot audit and certifier training on the have been in the market since last year, standard. This May, the Jade Tiger The interest in ASC’s certification and the volume continues to grow as Abalone’s Indented Head Farm in programme continues to grow. more trout farms enter the ASC Australia was audited against the There are now: programme. abalone standard; it is now awaiting the outcome. More farms are expected to • 28 tilapia farms certified ASC Bivalves Standard join the abalone programme. ASC certi- • 46 pangasius farms certified The first farm to be certified against the fied abalone is anticipated to be available • 42 salmon farms certified ASC Bivalves Standard was Peru-based later in the year. • 13 trout farms certified scallop producer AquaPesca. Their certi- • 8 bivalves farms certified fied scallops were launched to the mar- Seriola / Cobia Standard • 24 shrimp farms certified ket earlier this year. The Seriola and Cobia Standard was • 1 abalone farm audited In May 2015, three Jersey-based oyster handed over to the ASC by the Seriola (awaiting outcome of farmers – Jersey Oyster Company, and Cobia Aquaculture Dialogue in assessment) Seymour Oyster Company and Jersey Sea February 2015. It is the final of the ini- • 523 chain of custody Farm - became the first oyster producers tial eight standards developed by the certification holders to gain ASC certification against the Aquaculture Dialogues, and joins the • 20 certifiers accredited to bivalve standard. ASC certified oysters ASC standards for tilapia, pangasius, conduct chain of custody are set to hit the market later in the year. salmon, shrimp, trout, bivalves and audits abalone. • 7 certifiers accredited to ASC Salmon Standard ASC is developing the audit manual conduct farm assessments At the start of the year, Marine Harvest and will launch the pilot farm audits • 253 logo licence holders Canada’s Marsh Bay Farm in British when the draft audit manual is finalised. • 2784 approved tilapia, Colombia became the first salmon farm There has been interest in the pilot test- pangasius, salmon, trout, shrimp in North America to be certified to the ing from farms in Japan, Brazil and and bivalve products with the ASC Salmon Standard. They join ASC Mexico. These pilots will ensure the ASC logo in 44 countries* certified salmon producers in Australia, standard for seriola and cobia can be * Australia, Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Canada, China, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Chile, Faroe Islands, Norway and thoroughly tested and give farms a Republic, Denmark, Finland, France, Scotland. chance to see how their operations Germany, Greece, Hong Kong, Hungary, match up against the standard. Ireland, Italy, Japan, Republic of (South) Korea, Luxemburg, Malta, Netherlands, ASC Pangasius Standard Once the pilot audits have finished the Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Russian The ASC Pangasius programme was results will be used to inform the final Federation Slovenia, Slovakia, Spain, launched in 2012, with the first certified version of the audit manual. This will Sweden, Switzerland, Taiwan, United products entering the market the same guide certifiers and farmers on how the Kingdom, United States and Uruguay. year. Within three years, 20 per cent of standard should be applied.

INTERNATIONAL AQUAFEED DIRECTORY 2014/15