WWF is in the process of forming an Aquaculture Stewardship Council (ASC), similar to the existing Marine Stewardship Council. The ASC is expected to be operational by 2011 and will be responsible for working with independent, third party entities to certify farms that are in compliance with the standards for responsible aquaculture being developed by participants of the Aquaculture Dialogues.
Mussels - soon to be certified? (Source: Stock.xchng)
Over 2000 participants, including farmers, conservationists, academics and government officials are working towards developing standards for 12 species: shrimp, salmon, abalone, clams, mussels, scallops, oysters, Pangasius, tilapia, trout, Seriola and cobia. WWF believe the outcome of the dialogues will be the creation of the most credible standards for the aquaculture industry, which the ASC will implement.
Not everyone shares this view – according to an article on SeafoodSource 70 international non-government organisations from 5 countries expressed their opposition to the formation of the ASC in a letter to WWF. They believe the ASC will support industrial aquaculture and harm local environments and indigenous communities.
What do you think? Will the ASC encourage more sustainable aquaculture practises world wide or will it simply be another ‘eco-labelling’ system that will confuse consumers?
