ATLANTIC COD TO JOIN ASC PROGRAMME

Atlantic cod to join ASC Programme following stakeholder consultation. The Aquaculture Stewardship Council (ASC) is set to launch Atlantic cod into its Programme in Q4 2025, following a successful stakeholder consultation. Over a 30-day period from 20 May to 20 June 2025, ASC received valuable input from various stakeholders, including Atlantic cod producers.

Stakeholders shared both data-driven feedback and detailed comments and signaled strong support for bringing this important species into the ASC Programme.

Click here for the Atlantic cod consultation summary and ASC response.

Chris Ninnes, ASC CEO said:

“The certification of Atlantic cod marks an important milestone for ASC, demonstrating our ability to respond quickly to market demand for new species.

“Demand for ASC certified Atlantic cod is growing among both farmers and retailers. Integrating cod into the ASC Farm Standard demonstrates the flexibility of the Standard, ensuring it continues to evolve to meet the needs of producers, retailers, and consumers. By certifying Atlantic cod, ASC is helping to improve farming practices, promote environmental responsibility, and support fair working conditions—delivering positive change across this growing sector of aquaculture.”

The majority of consultation responses came from Norway, the primary focus region for the consultation. While there are currently only a small number of cod producers in Norway, integrating cod into the ASC Salmon Standard will provide them—and existing salmon farmers—a new pathway to bring ASC certified cod to market. Beyond Norway, cod certification could also attract interest from producers in Iceland, Scotland, the Faroe Islands, the wider Nordics, and Canada, particularly given recent reductions in wild cod quotas.

“We welcome the inclusion of Atlantic cod in the ASC Certification Programme,” said Tor Olav Seim, Head of Business Development & Founder of Ode, the largest Atlantic cod producer in Norway.

“This gives us a clear pathway to meet market demand for responsibly farmed cod and aligns our practices with global sustainability standards. It’s an exciting opportunity to grow our business while promoting environmental responsibility and high welfare standards in cod farming.”

What happens next?

Atlantic cod will be added to the ASC Certification Programme, initially through a modified ASC Salmon Standard to enable immediate access to certification. Following a two-year transition period, cod will be fully integrated into the ASC Farm Standard V1.1, giving farmers time to adapt to new requirements.

Many criteria in the ASC Salmon Standard are directly relevant to cod, making it a logical addition. The programme will address key sustainability issues, including biodiversity loss, ecosystem impacts, disease management, and resource use, ensuring responsible and sustainable cod farming.

Image: Atlantic cod farming in Norway (Courtesy: Ode)