ASC revises shrimp standard and looks to address RAS impact

The Aquaculture Stewardship Council (ASC) has published revised shrimp standards and new requirements for recirculating aquaculture systems (RAS) as of April 25, 2022.

Revisions to the shrimp standard means freshwater crayfish and freshwater shrimp farmers are now able to work towards ASC's requirements for responsible farming, with four new freshwater species added. 99 percent of farmed shrimp are now covered by this standard with new species including Cherax, Procambarus, Astacus and Macrobachium.

ASC standards are continually revised and updated by its multi-stakeholder teams which take into account public feedback. Revising the shrimp standard has overseen new species added as well as ensuring best practices.

Michiel Fransen, the ASC Director of Standards and Science said the revision encouraged "environmental and social responsibility," as it allows a greater number of farmers to apply for ASC certification.

"ASC's Shrimp Standard now includes almost all global shrimp production within its scope," Mr Fransen explains. "Given the benefits of certification – to farmers, workers, the environment, and local communities – that can only be a good thing."

Image credit: ASC

ASC requirements for RAS operations take into account impacts unique to this method of farming, as it grows globally. These impacts relate to the recirculation and filtration systems in place to facilitate the farming of fish on land as it increases the impact of energy and water use, whilst decreasing the impacts associated with farming.

ASC has now developed a RAS module, which is taking into account new requirements specific to RAS facilities, for example requirements on energy monitoring and developing procedures to reduce emissions, alongside reducing negative impact on water resources. All RAS farms will need to meet these requirements and the standard specific to the species they are farming.

"Aquaculture is a fast-moving, innovative industry," says Mr Fransen. "This means we have to continuously review and adapt the ASC programme to make sure we're still reflecting the industry and current best practices."

Mr Fransen went on to relate RAS farming to other types of farming in its "impacts."

"At ASC we don't believe one method of farming is inherently superior – we think what matters is the specific impacts are properly addressed and minimised."

New updates won't be live and mandatory until six months from now, providing farmers with the opportunity to familiarise themselves with the changes.

For more information on ASC visit their website, HERE.