In response to the growing demand for Aquaculture Stewardship Council (ASC) certification in China and across Asia, 35 new auditors recently completed a six-day training course in Beijing.
Certifying body SAI convened a group including other certification bodies SGS, Bureau Veritas, Intertek, a number of independent auditors, as well as staff from WWF and Tesco to undertake training for the ASC shrimp, tilapia and bivalve standards. All ASC training includes a mandatory exam to test the auditor candidate’s understanding of the standards.
A traceability module was also provided by the Marine Stewardship Council on chain of custody requirements for certification, which are now included in the ASC’s new certification and accreditation requirements.
“This auditor training will allow us to meet the groundswell of demand for ASC certification throughout the Asian region,” said Bas Geerts, standards director at ASC.
“The overwhelming majority of farmed fish comes from Asia and ASC is expanding operations so more Chinese farms have the opportunity to become engaged in the ASC certification program. The recently trained auditors will be able to work with farms across the region as they seek to become certified against the most comprehensive standards for reducing environmental impacts, improving conditions for farm workers and reducing the impact of farming operations on local communities.”
Of the 35 candidate auditors, 26 were trained in all three species standards. On successfully passing the final exam administered by the ASC by appointed trainers, they will be able to conduct independent assessments in China and other countries across the Asia-Pacific region.
Over the last two years, ASC certification has surged in Asia. AEON, the largest retailer in Japan, recently made ASC-certified shrimp available across all stores nationwide. In Hong Kong, YATA collaborated with KLG Fine Food to promote a limited-time, exclusive range of ASC offerings. Late last year, Qionghai Zhongpingzi Grobest tilapia farm and Chengmai Xingyuan Development Co Ltd become the first Chinese farms to achieve ASC certification.
About the ASC
Founded in 2010 by WWF and the Dutch Sustainable Trade Initiative (IDH), the Aquaculture Stewardship Council is an independent not for profit organization with global influence that aims to be the world’s leading certification and labeling program for responsibly farmed seafood. Its primary role is to manage global standards for responsible aquaculture, which were developed by the WWF Aquaculture Dialogues.
