The MSC Standards meet international best practice guidelines for certification and ecolabeling. The Standards were developed through consultation with the fishing industry, scientists, conservationists, experts, and stakeholders.

The ASC and MSC have released a joint standard for environmentally sustainable and socially responsible seaweed production. Seaweed operations have been associated with a number of …

Mar 4, 2025 · The MSC certification requirements for both fisheries and chain of custody are defined in a series of documents. These documents outline specific requirements, guidelines and methods to enable consistency and compliance in assessments.

The joint vision and mission of the ASC and the MSC in developing this standard is to contribute to the health of the world’s aquatic ecosystems by recognising, and rewarding through certification, environmentally sustainable and socially responsible seaweed harvesting and farming practices.

By promoting responsible fish farming (aquaculture) and management, the Aquaculture Stewardship Council (ASC) certification enables buyers and consumers to make informed decisions about sustainable seafood purchases.

The MSC and ASC certification programs share a common heritage and vision that global seafood supplies should be sustainable, responsibly managed and supported by secure supply chains. The MSC’s focus is sustainable capture of wild seafood and the ASC sets standards for responsible aquaculture.

The MSC sets two standards: one for for sustainable fishing and one for the traceability of certified sustainable fish and seafood. We hold a joint seaweed standard with the ASC. Find out more.

The MSC and ASC standard is a seaweed-specific assessment the support widespread adoption of good practices in sustainable seaweed production and provides a benchmark for improvement.

The aim of the guide is to give you an overview of what to expect during each stage of the certification process. If you have questions at any stage, your local MSC or ASC office will be happy to help. Contact your local MSC office at

The ASC-MSC Seaweed Standard is applicable to all seaweed operations around the world. All locations and scales of seaweed operations, including both wild harvest operations and production from at-sea or land-based aquaculture systems (farms), can apply for certification.