Legislation measures

Sustainability criteria related to sustainable labels still need to be examined to ensure maximum sustainability.

Certification Certification

Photo: Kirk Widra Photo: Kirk Widra

Relevant type of aquaculture:

Fish Shellfish Seaweed

Relevant sea basin:

North

Relevant stage:

Prevention and reduction

Related Barriers:

  • The use of labels is sometimes too excessive and not transparent, although a good start to raise awareness. Additionally, labels may be an advantage for large producers who have more money, while small producers can be just as good but don't have the money to invest in the labelling procedure of their products.

  • At EU level, there is currently no accepted scientific standard (e.g. CEN) on marine biodegradability, which highlights the urgency for developing such a separate standard

  • Labelling of aquaculture gear and items, and CE quality standards for high quality products are lacking.

Related Good Practice:

P&R GP5.1

Improve requirements for ASC standards

A new white paper from ASC (“Marine Litter and Aquaculture Gear” – published in November, 2019) provides scientific rigour and evidence to the planned update to ASC standards to include requirements on this issue, but also includes recommendations for the wider industry. Uniquely, it gathers evidence from various sources including 60 ASC certified farms; and finds that the three main causes of plastic pollution generated by aquaculture can be classified as: mismanagement, deliberate discharge, and extreme weather.

https://www.asc-aqua.org/what-we-do/programme-improvements/gear-management/