ASC Signs MoU with South Korea’s National Institute of Fisheries Science to Advance Responsible Seafood Farming
June 17, 2025 | 3 min to read
Haenam, South Korea – Aquaculture Stewardship Council (ASC) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with South Korea’s National Institute of Fisheries Science (NIFS), a leading aquaculture and marine environmental research institute under the Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries.
This agreement marks a significant milestone in the transformation to responsible seafood farming, strengthening international collaboration and driving sustainable growth within Korea’s seafood farming sector.
During the signing ceremony, ASC CEO Chris Ninnes emphasised the global relevance of this partnership, “This is an important step forward in strengthening international partnerships and advancing responsible seafood farming practices that benefit fish, farm, people and planet. Together, we are setting a new standard for the future of Korea’s seafood sector through environmental and social responsibility.”
NIFS President Choi Yong-seok said, “With the fisheries industry undergoing rapid changes due to climate change and other factors, this MOU serves as a starting point for transitioning to eco-friendly aquaculture industry.
We hope that this collaboration with the ASC will present a standard model for sustainable aquaculture and strengthen the export competitiveness of Korean farmed seafood.”
The agreement aligns with the missions of both organisations to promote responsible seafood farming, support biodiversity, benefit communities, and meet the growing global demand for sustainably farmed seafood.
Under the MoU, ASC and NIFS will work together to:
- Develop innovative aquaculture technologies for seaweed, shellfish, and fish;
- Facilitate information exchange between international and Korean experts;
- Create ecosystem-based certification technologies; and
- Improve seafood farming conditions to support long-term environmental and economic sustainability.
About the Aquaculture Stewardship Council (ASC)
The Standard is Changing… for fish, farm, planet and people.
ASC is driving the world’s leading certification programme, accelerating progress towards environmental sustainability and social responsibility.
The ASC Farm Standard addresses all key impacts, setting the standard for seafood farming globally and providing the highest assurance, integrity and transparency throughout the supply chain.
Our vision is a world where aquaculture plays a major role in supplying food and social benefits for humanity whilst minimising negative impacts on the environment.
Our standards ensure that seafood with the ASC label has been farmed with care.
Choose ASC for Change.