M
My Name
Guest
By Aquaculture Stewardship Council
• The anniversary year brought new farm certifications, expanding industry partnerships and broader marketplace reach for ASC-labeled seafood.
The Aquaculture Stewardship Council (ASC) is marking its 15th anniversary with a year defined by growing momentum and rising consumer demand for responsibly farmed seafood in North America. In 2025, ASC welcomed breakthrough certification achievements, expanded its retail and foodservice presence across North America, and connected directly with shoppers and businesses through high-impact events, education and engagement, which delivered more than two million impressions across North American activations.
As consumers increasingly gravitate toward seafood options that are convenient, flavor-forward and planet-friendly, ASC continues to serve as a trusted guide in a crowded marketplace.
In 2025, 264 new ASC-labeled products were distributed in North America, with 188 of those distributed in the U.S. alone, up 61 percent year over year. Total ASC-labeled products distributed in North America reached 1,279, up 12 percent from 2024. This reflects companies’ growing commitments to ASC’s measurable, meaningful and verifiable program impacts, along with increasing consumer trust in responsibly farmed, ASC-labeled seafood, from fresh fillets and frozen favorites to products in the surging tinned seafood category.
“2025 has been a record year for responsible aquaculture in North America,” said Athena Davis, Marketing Manager North America, ASC. “ASC welcomed new certifications, species and farming methods into the program, from Washington state to Florida. All while the ASC label became more prominent across store shelves and in shoppers’ minds nationwide, making the choice for trustworthy, certified seafood easier than ever before. We look forward to another year of positive momentum in 2026, where ASC and partners continue to improve, innovate and inspire – getting us closer to a world where responsibly farmed seafood is the expectation, not the exception.”
ASC now reaches 2,265 certified farms across 52 countries, has helped drive nearly 7,300 environmental and social improvements globally, and supports more than 28,000 ASC-labeled products worldwide. ASC-certified seafood volume rose to 2.69 million metric tons in 2025, a 32 percent increase over 2023.
Strengthening ASC’s Presence in North America
2025 marked a breakthrough year across certification, retail, foodservice and national marketing, reflecting rising industry adoption.
ASC began the year by announcing that Atlantic Sapphire, based in Homestead, FL, became the first U.S. salmon farm and also the first Recirculating Aquaculture Systems (RAS) farm to achieve ASC certification. In September, ASC officially opened up certification for farmed cod, a significant win to help expand access to cod in North America. In November, Rangen’s Buhl, Idaho, feed mill became the first in the country to achieve certification under the new ASC Feed Standard, driving change across the American aquafeed industry. Rangen is now certified to produce feed for freshwater trout, salmon, seriola and cobia, shrimp and tilapia. The year ended on another certification achievement when Washington-based Taylor Shellfish, the country’s largest shellfish producer, became the 5th domestic farm to earn ASC certification, adding 7 new certified shellfish species to the roster alongside ASC-certified trout, salmon, Hawaiian Kanpachi
and algal oil produced in the U.S.
A record number of new ASC-labeled products hit the U.S. market with press announcements and samplers, social media campaigns and digital marketing publicizing new products, including:
ASC touched down in select markets, including Seattle, Boston, New Orleans and Denver via retail partnerships, restaurant collaborations, farm tours, food sampling and influential initiatives that sparked dialogue with shoppers and diners nationwide. Digital promotions around these activations achieved more than two million impressions. Highlights included:
Growing Connections Across the Seafood Industry
In addition to consumer campaign activations across the country, ASC also advanced retail, foodservice and trade education through a media tour of Riverence Provisions Farms in Idaho, a first-of-its-kind interview with Veramaris on ASC’s Gossip Gills podcast, an ASC Discovery Tour for buyers in Scotland, and participation in more national industry shows than ever before, including Seafood Expo North America, the National Restaurant Association, INFRA, PLMA, Global Pet Expo, SUPERZOO and more.
Recognition on Amazon’s Climate Pledge Friendly Platform
In October, ASC became the only aquaculture certification recognized by Amazon’s Climate Pledge Friendly program. Climate Pledge Friendly collaborates with trusted third-party certifications and highlights products that meet their sustainability standards. While searching for products on Amazon, customers can look for the leaf icon and the sustainability features label to identify more sustainable products.
Garnering Media Momentum
Media interest in ASC and responsibly farmed seafood continued to accelerate in 2025. ASC earned more than 700 media placements across national, regional and trade outlets. Coverage spotlighted ASC’s role in helping shoppers navigate seafood labeling and sustainable sourcing, the rising availability of ASC-labeled products, ASC’s national event presence, and the increasing consumer and business interest in responsibly farmed, ASC-labeled seafood.
Looking Ahead
In 2026, ASC will continue strengthening its footprint across North America through targeted retail programs, new product promotions, new regional campaigns, new partnerships and expanded digital engagement to increase awareness, interest and understanding of the value behind the ASC label.
About the Aquaculture Stewardship Council
Responsible seafood starts at the farm. ASC’s sea green label assures shoppers that:
The post The Aquaculture Stewardship Council Marks 15 Years with Major Milestones, Strong North American Growth in 2025 appeared first on Aquaculture Magazine.
Read more...
• The anniversary year brought new farm certifications, expanding industry partnerships and broader marketplace reach for ASC-labeled seafood.
The Aquaculture Stewardship Council (ASC) is marking its 15th anniversary with a year defined by growing momentum and rising consumer demand for responsibly farmed seafood in North America. In 2025, ASC welcomed breakthrough certification achievements, expanded its retail and foodservice presence across North America, and connected directly with shoppers and businesses through high-impact events, education and engagement, which delivered more than two million impressions across North American activations.
As consumers increasingly gravitate toward seafood options that are convenient, flavor-forward and planet-friendly, ASC continues to serve as a trusted guide in a crowded marketplace.
In 2025, 264 new ASC-labeled products were distributed in North America, with 188 of those distributed in the U.S. alone, up 61 percent year over year. Total ASC-labeled products distributed in North America reached 1,279, up 12 percent from 2024. This reflects companies’ growing commitments to ASC’s measurable, meaningful and verifiable program impacts, along with increasing consumer trust in responsibly farmed, ASC-labeled seafood, from fresh fillets and frozen favorites to products in the surging tinned seafood category.
“2025 has been a record year for responsible aquaculture in North America,” said Athena Davis, Marketing Manager North America, ASC. “ASC welcomed new certifications, species and farming methods into the program, from Washington state to Florida. All while the ASC label became more prominent across store shelves and in shoppers’ minds nationwide, making the choice for trustworthy, certified seafood easier than ever before. We look forward to another year of positive momentum in 2026, where ASC and partners continue to improve, innovate and inspire – getting us closer to a world where responsibly farmed seafood is the expectation, not the exception.”
ASC now reaches 2,265 certified farms across 52 countries, has helped drive nearly 7,300 environmental and social improvements globally, and supports more than 28,000 ASC-labeled products worldwide. ASC-certified seafood volume rose to 2.69 million metric tons in 2025, a 32 percent increase over 2023.
Strengthening ASC’s Presence in North America
2025 marked a breakthrough year across certification, retail, foodservice and national marketing, reflecting rising industry adoption.
ASC began the year by announcing that Atlantic Sapphire, based in Homestead, FL, became the first U.S. salmon farm and also the first Recirculating Aquaculture Systems (RAS) farm to achieve ASC certification. In September, ASC officially opened up certification for farmed cod, a significant win to help expand access to cod in North America. In November, Rangen’s Buhl, Idaho, feed mill became the first in the country to achieve certification under the new ASC Feed Standard, driving change across the American aquafeed industry. Rangen is now certified to produce feed for freshwater trout, salmon, seriola and cobia, shrimp and tilapia. The year ended on another certification achievement when Washington-based Taylor Shellfish, the country’s largest shellfish producer, became the 5th domestic farm to earn ASC certification, adding 7 new certified shellfish species to the roster alongside ASC-certified trout, salmon, Hawaiian Kanpachi
A record number of new ASC-labeled products hit the U.S. market with press announcements and samplers, social media campaigns and digital marketing publicizing new products, including:
- ASC-labeled Regal Springs Golden Delights Premium Tilapia range across midwestern retailers, including Kowalski’s Markets.
- ASC-labeled Branzino and Riverence Trout at So Cal’s Erewhon Markets.
- ASC-labeled Foppen Hot Smoked Salmon Bites at H-E-B and Costco.
- ASC-labeled Target Good & Gather Salmon in assorted flavors at locations across the U.S.
- ASC-labeled Open Blue Cobia and Riverence Trout via Fish Fixe, the Shark Tank-endorsed, family-run seafood delivery brand.
ASC touched down in select markets, including Seattle, Boston, New Orleans and Denver via retail partnerships, restaurant collaborations, farm tours, food sampling and influential initiatives that sparked dialogue with shoppers and diners nationwide. Digital promotions around these activations achieved more than two million impressions. Highlights included:
- ASC made a bold entrance into one of the nation’s most distinguished seafood cities in February at the James Beard Foundation’s Taste America, where ASC engaged more than 500 diners, influencers and media alongside certified partner North Coast Seafoods and renowned local chefs Alex Pineda and Noe Ortega.
- A multi-day presence at the New Orleans French Quarter Festival, featuring a restaurant pop-up, chef partnerships, festival programming and on-the-ground consumer education, all with the support of ASC-certified partners BluGlacier and Inland Foods.
- Two multi-state campaigns with Bamboo Sushi in June (World Ocean Month) and October (National Seafood Month), including media tastings in Seattle and Denver; ASC-labeled menu items featuring yellowtail from The Kingfish Company and Hawaiian Kanpachi from Blue Ocean Mariculture; influencer content; and customer giveaways.
- Supporting the launch of MOWI CP of America’s new chef-forward initiative ‘MOWI Signature’ introduced more premium ASC-certified Scottish and Norwegian salmon to foodservice nationwide.
- A year-end holiday retail activation at Seattle’s Town & Country Markets, using in-store signage, QR codes and digital content to help shoppers “Look for the Label” and identify ASC-labeled seafood such as Riverence trout, Kvaroy Arctic salmon and Freshé tinned meals.
Growing Connections Across the Seafood Industry
In addition to consumer campaign activations across the country, ASC also advanced retail, foodservice and trade education through a media tour of Riverence Provisions Farms in Idaho, a first-of-its-kind interview with Veramaris on ASC’s Gossip Gills podcast, an ASC Discovery Tour for buyers in Scotland, and participation in more national industry shows than ever before, including Seafood Expo North America, the National Restaurant Association, INFRA, PLMA, Global Pet Expo, SUPERZOO and more.
Recognition on Amazon’s Climate Pledge Friendly Platform
In October, ASC became the only aquaculture certification recognized by Amazon’s Climate Pledge Friendly program. Climate Pledge Friendly collaborates with trusted third-party certifications and highlights products that meet their sustainability standards. While searching for products on Amazon, customers can look for the leaf icon and the sustainability features label to identify more sustainable products.
Garnering Media Momentum
Media interest in ASC and responsibly farmed seafood continued to accelerate in 2025. ASC earned more than 700 media placements across national, regional and trade outlets. Coverage spotlighted ASC’s role in helping shoppers navigate seafood labeling and sustainable sourcing, the rising availability of ASC-labeled products, ASC’s national event presence, and the increasing consumer and business interest in responsibly farmed, ASC-labeled seafood.
Looking Ahead
In 2026, ASC will continue strengthening its footprint across North America through targeted retail programs, new product promotions, new regional campaigns, new partnerships and expanded digital engagement to increase awareness, interest and understanding of the value behind the ASC label.
About the Aquaculture Stewardship Council
Responsible seafood starts at the farm. ASC’s sea green label assures shoppers that:
- The strictest standards are in place to improve farm practices.
- Certified seafood actually comes from certified farms.
- Certified farms continue to meet the highest standards.
- We are constantly working toward greater sustainability.
The post The Aquaculture Stewardship Council Marks 15 Years with Major Milestones, Strong North American Growth in 2025 appeared first on Aquaculture Magazine.
Read more...