World’s First Farm Achieves Certification to the ASC Farm Standard

Cadiz, Spain – Aquaculture Stewardship Council (ASC) celebrates a global milestone in responsible aquaculture, as CUPIBAR (Lubimar), a family-owned seabass and seabream estuary farm in southern Spain, becomes the first farm in the world to achieve certification against the ASC Farm Standard.

Leadership from the outset

This achievement marks Lubimar’s first-ever ASC certification. Rather than transitioning from the existing species-specific ASC standard, the farm chose to be audited directly against the ASC Farm Standard, demonstrating leadership and confidence in meeting a more comprehensive and demanding set of requirements from the outset.

Located in a protected area (Parque Natural de la Breña y Marismas del Barbate) in the province of Cadiz, Lubimar produces around 2,000 metric tonnes of fish per year in a unique estuarine system built on former salt fields. The certification marks a historic moment for the aquaculture sector, demonstrating that farming fish in harmony with nature, communities and the highest animal welfare expectations is not only aspirational on paper, but deliverable in practice under a single, robust standard.

Widely recognised in Spain, and sold in more than 15 countries, Lubimar is especially known for its seabass and seabream branded as Lubina y Dorada de Estero, a product closely associated with traditional estuary farming. While the farm’s reputation for quality is well established, this certification recognises something deeper: a long-term commitment to responsible aquaculture that delivers measurable benefits for people, planet, farm and fish.

Farming with nature: Restoring ecosystems and livelihoods

Lubimar operates an extensive estuarine farming system characterised by very low stocking densities, with a maximum of 3 kg of fish per cubic metre of water. The farm covers 700 hectares but only 35% of the area is used for farming, with the remainder maintained as a natural zone, which is integral to how the farm operates.

This natural area acts as a biological filter for farming activity, contributes natural food sources such as shrimp for the fish and supports a diverse ecosystem. The low-density model supports fish health and welfare and means antibiotics are not used.

Alongside seabass and seabream production, the site supports the growth and collection of seaweed and in the recent past also oysters. This multitrophic approach contributes to nutrient recycling and carbon sequestration. Lubimar has also installed solar panels within the production area to support renewable energy use.

Gontran de Ceballos, Sales Manager at Lubimar said, “When we arrived, these ponds were abandoned salt pans and unsuccessful aquaculture projects. Through our farming approach, biodiversity has returned, and today much of the site functions as a natural wildlife area that supports bird species such as flamingos, spoonbills and ospreys.

“Choosing an extensive, low-density model reflects our long-term approach to fish welfare and environmental responsibility. This shows how aquaculture can operate in close relationship with sensitive environments, while also playing a vital social role; providing skilled jobs in a community where employment really matters.”

A new benchmark for responsible aquaculture

Chris Ninnes, ASC CEO said, “Congratulations to the Lubimar team on this landmark achievement. Their decision to seek certification directly against the ASC Farm Standard sends a powerful signal. It shows that the standard has moved from design to delivery, and that leading farms are ready to be assessed against a single, science-based framework that sets the bar for the entire sector.

“I recently had the pleasure of visiting the farm and seeing how they operate first-hand brings this to life. The way Lubimar works with its unique environment, manages fish welfare and embeds responsibility into day-to-day operations demonstrates what the Farm Standard is designed to recognise and drive.

“The farm operates very much in partnership with its environment and surpasses some of the requirements of the Farm Standard. The work they have done to regenerate the area and bring back habitats that support a vast array of wildlife really is impressive.

“The ASC Farm Standard represents a benchmark for the industry, bringing together ASC science-based requirements into one rigorous and transparent framework. It will drive sector-wide improvement across environmental performance, social responsibility, fish health and welfare and farm management. This framework can be applied across different farming systems and species. Lubimar’s certification confirms the standard’s readiness for real-world application and highlights what is possible when farms engage with it at the highest level from the start.”

The farm’s perspective: choosing the highest bar

Gontran explained, “Choosing to be audited directly against the ASC Farm Standard was a deliberate decision for us. We wanted to demonstrate our farming credentials by being the first in the world to achieve the ASC gold standard.

“It required a deep and honest examination of how we operate, from environmental management to fish welfare and our responsibilities to people. The process was demanding, but it has strengthened our farm and our team. We are extremely proud to be the first to achieve this certification and to help set a benchmark for the sector.”

Independent assurance in practice

Stefano Crea, Global Market & Industries Director at DNV, the certification body who assessed the farm, said, “The certificate to Lubimar covering the Cupibar farm is the outcome of a rigorous, independent audit and certification process. From the on-site farm visit to interviews and document reviews, Lubimar and the Cupibar employees have shown a strong commitment and drive to improve. Where non-conformities were identified, these were addressed through defined, timeline corrective actions in line with the new ASC Farm standard and assurance requirements. This is the way to continually improve sustainably and ensure that transparency is maintained.

“Covering sea bass and sea bream farming, Lubimar is a great example of the growth occurring in the aquaculture sector. Being applicable cross-species, the new ASC Farm Standard reflects the need to develop standards and certification schemes adapted to expansions in the aquaculture sector while continuing to assure a high level of scrutiny, traceability and trust.

A call to action for farms worldwide

As the first farm to achieve certification — and the first to do so as its entry point into ASC — Lubimar has paved the way for others to follow. Chris concluded, “By becoming certified, farms can prove their performance, contribute to positive change across the industry, and play a vital role in protecting ecosystems, supporting communities and ensuring the welfare of farmed seafood – today and for the future.“As momentum builds globally, we look forward to more farms stepping up to achieve certification and demonstrate their commitment to responsible aquaculture.”

About the Aquaculture Stewardship Council (ASC)

The ASC label on pack showcases ASC-certified farms and feed mills — impact-focused and transparent operations delivering measurable and verifiable change. They meet science-based, rigorous requirements that foster accountability and trust across the seafood value chain, from feed ingredients to farm to fork. 

ASC is an independent non-profit organisation setting the global standard for responsible farmed seafood. Our comprehensive environmental and social requirements drive continuous improvement in aquaculture practices. 

ASC is advancing the leading certification programme for responsible farmed seafood, partnering to increase demand for ASC-labelled products, and championing innovation through industry collaboration. 

Find out more: www.asc-aqua.org