Atlantic Cod to Join ASC Program Following Stakeholder Consultation
September 25, 2025 | 3 min to read
In Wilmington, NC, the Aquaculture Stewardship Council (ASC) will introduce Atlantic cod into its certification program by Q4 2025, following a positive stakeholder consultation. The feedback, primarily from Norway, indicates robust support from cod producers. CEO Chris Ninnes emphasized that this initiative reflects ASC's adaptability to market demands while promoting sustainable farming practices and fair working conditions. After two years, cod will fully integrate into the new ASC Farm Standard, enhancing responsible aquaculture.
Wilmington, NC — Aquaculture Stewardship Council (ASC) is set to launch Atlantic cod into its program in Q4 2025, following a successful stakeholder consultation. Over a 30-day period from May 20 – June 20, 2025 ASC received valuable input from various stakeholders, including Atlantic cod producers.
Stakeholders shared both data-driven feedback and detailed comments, signaling strong support for bringing this important species into the ASC program.
“The certification of Atlantic cod marks an important milestone for ASC, demonstrating our ability to respond quickly to market demand for new species,” said Chris Ninnes, ASC CEO.
“Demand for ASC certified Atlantic cod is growing among both farmers and retailers. Integrating cod into the ASC Farm Standard shows the flexibility of the Standard, ensuring it continues evolving to meet the needs of producers, retailers, shoppers and diners. 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 a small number of cod producers in Norway, integrating cod into the ASC Salmon Standard will provide them—and existing salmon farmers—with 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 Program,” 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 Program, 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 new 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 the species a logical addition. The program will address key sustainability issues, including biodiversity loss, ecosystem impacts, disease management, and resource use, ensuring responsible and sustainable cod farming that will increase options for a growing U.S. appetite.
About the Aquaculture Stewardship Council
Responsible seafood starts at the farm. ASC’s sea green label assures shoppers that:
- The strictest standards are in place to improve farm practices.
- Certified seafood in stores actually comes from certified farms.
- Certified farms continue to meet the highest standards.
- We are constantly working toward greater sustainability.
ASC is the only certification program that can verify your farmed seafood is what it claims to be, where it came from, how it was raised and how it got to you. Learn more at SeaGreenBeGreen.com and follow @asc.usa on Instagram.