At Lever Foundation, we believe that animal welfare should not stop at the water’s edge. That’s why we strongly commend the Aquaculture Stewardship Council (ASC) for its newly released Farm Standard, which sets basic animal welfare standards for fish, crustaceans and other aquatic animals in aquaculture systems.

This landmark update includes—for the first time—a dedicated chapter on animal health and welfare for fish, crustaceans, and bivalves. It reflects a growing public concern and scientific consensus: aquatic animals are sentient beings capable of feeling pain, stress, and suffering.

Welfare improvements in ASC’s new aquaculture standard include:

• Stronger disease prevention and mortality tracking and mitigation

• Regular water quality monitoring to ensure appropriate levels of carbon dioxide, ammonia, and other compounds

• Welfare-focused feeding, handling, and transport practices

• Use of behavioral and physiological indicators to monitor welfare

• The mandatory use of humane slaughter for all aquatic animals, even those not destined for human consumption

Together, these elements move ASC beyond its historical focus on environmental sustainability and toward a more holistic standard that includes basic animal welfare protections. The new standard also aligns closely on most parameters with the Model Seafood Welfare Standard developed by Lever Foundation and endorsed by other leading animal protection organizations globally.

ASC’s new standard was shaped through five years of consultation with over 100 organizations across 30 countries, including scientists, seafood producers, NGOs, and retailers. This collaborative approach ensures the standard is both science-based and practical for real-world implementation.

As the number of corporate commitments on seafood welfare continues to expand, we encourage other seafood certification bodies, aquaculture producers, and food retailers to follow ASC’s lead by prioritizing animal welfare in aquaculture.

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