What Our Aquaculture Stewardship Council Certification Means to Us

Amongst other animal production systems, shellfish leave the smallest carbon footprint making them the best source for nutritionally beneficial and protein-rich food for feeding our growing planet. However, 86 percent of marine stocks are either fully exploited or overfished even with sustainable practices. So, what’s the solution? 

Aquaculture – the fastest growing food production system in the world, cultivates aquatic organisms in controlled environments. It has the capacity to meet the estimated global demand by 2050 while reducing the pressure on wild capture fisheries. More than half of the seafood currently globally consumed comes from aquaculture.

However, when aquaculture is not well managed, it results in a new set of problems such as poor site management, water pollution, poor working conditions and disruption of local ecosystems. The Aquaculture Stewardship Council is an independent and international non-profit organization that manages the world’s leading certification program for responsible agriculture. The ASC aims for aquaculture to minimize negative impacts on the environment while supplying food and social benefits for humans.

Sanctuary Oysters’ Sol Azul sea farm is currently the only farm in North America that has achieved the ASC certification! Farms that have received the ASC certification represent their commitment to operating with the best environmental and social practices. Products from farms with the ASC certification are traceable back to the farm so that every consumer can trust the origin of their seafood.  

As an ASC certified farm, Sol Azul follows clear guidelines. The ASC ensures that Sol Azul doesn’t use harmful pesticides, doesn’t harm or threaten endangered species or their habitats, prohibits forced labor and child labor, and manages the farm in a responsible manner.

Thanks to having the ASC certification and logo on seafood products, Sanctuary Oysters is able to establish a strong position as a brand, minimize negative impacts on the environment and instill operational excellence in the company. Community members around the world can take part in making the aquaculture industry more environmentally sustainable and socially responsible through direct donations, by purchasing seafood carrying the ASC logo, and by providing input to the development of new ASC standards.

If you’re interested in learning more about what our Aquaculture Stewardship Certification means to us, shoot us an email at info@solazul.com.mx.