Seafood, Fishery and Aquaculture Services 

Our Seafood and Aquaculture services enable businesses to demonstrate responsible sourcing and production practices, which is increasingly crucial for meeting consumer and regulatory demands for environmentally and socially conscious seafood.

The Marine Stewardship Council (MSC) and the Aquaculture Stewardship Council (ASC) are globally recognized sustainable fishing and aquaculture ecolabels. They aim to transform the seafood industry towards more sustainable practices by reversing fish stock decline, improving marine environments and securing fishermen livelihoods.  

To bear the globally recognized MSC ecolabel, companies need to receive certification to both MSC Fisheries and Chain of Custody standards.

  • MSC Fisheries certification demonstrates adherence to sustainable fishing practices, enabling use of the MSC ecolabel and covering fish stock sustainability, environmental impact, and fishery management.
  • MSC Chain of Custody certification ensures product traceability to MSC-certified sustainable sources, separation from non-certified products, and eligibility to carry the blue MSC ecolabel throughout the supply chain.

The Aquaculture Stewardship Council (ASC) has developed standards for responsibly farmed seafood. These standards enable seafood producers to demonstrate to consumers that their products have been farmed in a way that minimizes the social and environmental impact of aquaculture operations.  

Fishing and aquaculture industry provide livelihood to 62 million people globally
Aquatic resources account for 20% of the daily animal protein intake for more than 3 billion people worldwide

Challenges

The global demand for seafood has increased at an average rate of 3.2% per year since 1961, outpacing the 1.6% annual growth in capture fisheries production over the same period (FAO 2022).  This escalating global seafood demand calls for more sustainable fishing and aquaculture practices that will replenish fish stocks for the long term and preserve marine ecosystems for future generations.  

Consumers and retailers seek trusted and responsible producers, processors, and importers with well-managed operations.  

SUCCESS STORY

A leading Vietnamese seafood producer and exporter wanted to demonstrate their longstanding commitment to sustainability across their value chain. Having always emphasized quality, safety, and social accountability, they sought Aquaculture Stewardship Council (ASC) certification. Bureau Veritas became an ideal partner, providing knowledgeable experts and extensive experience to guide the company through the certification process effectively. This collaboration enabled the company to maintain systems aligned with ASC's stringent standards for environmental protection and responsible aquaculture practices. Achieving ASC certification credibly showcased their sustainability focus to stakeholders worldwide, strengthening their market position and brand value. 

wHY BUREAU VERITAS

Bureau Veritas' global network of 7,400+ skilled auditors across 140 countries, including local seafood experts in 80 nations, ensures comprehensive support. Our seafood supply chain expertise, chosen by major retailers, assists fishing industry in meeting stringent quality, safety, environmental, and social responsibility standards. The Bureau Veritas Certification mark is a globally recognized symbol of an organisation’s on-going commitment of excellence, sustainability, and reliability.  

OUR REACH
  • All aquatic species (marine or fresh water)
  • All fisheries (industrial or artisanal) Coastal or Distance water