ASC Certification
Arctic Fish is the first to gain ASC Certification in Iceland
The Aquaculture Stewardship Council is an independent, international non-profit organisation that manages the world’s leading certification and labelling programme for responsible aquaculture.
The ASC also ensures that the social rights and safety of those who work on the farms and live in the local communities are safeguarded. Employees working on ASC certified farms must have fair working conditions and contracts as mandated by the International Labour Organization. No child labour is permitted, and all workers must have free association and access to a safe work environment.
“Aquaculture is the fastest growing sector of food production and is integral to global food security. As demand for farmed fish continues to rise, it is increasingly important that producers operate at a level that minimises impacts to the environment, provides fair and proper conditions for those who work on the farms, and that is considerate of the people in the communities where the farms are situated. By becoming ASC certified, Arctic Fish has committed to doing just that. This achievement sets them apart as leaders in their country and in the larger effort to improve the industry”
CEO, ASC
ASC Certification
The ASC is an independent, international organization that aims to transform the aquaculture industry to a higher standard through a global certification and labelling program with a focus on good management practices. The programme meets international codes of good conduct, including FAO Guidelines for eco-labelling and ISEAL Standard Setting Codes.
The ASC standards address the negative impacts of fish farming, including dependence on wild fish for feed; inadequate supply of seed; lack of appropriate techniques; discharges of organic matter, phosphorus, and nitrogen; fish escapes; transfer of diseases and parasites between farmed and wild fish; the introduction of non-indigenous species and the use of therapeutants and antibiotics. It also mandates that all workers have freedom of association, employment contracts inline with ILO regulations, no child-labour and that the communities in which farms are situated be consulted on farm operations.
ASC report
Arctic Fish ASC Report
The Aquaculture Stewardship Council is an independent, international non-profit organisation that manages the world’s leading certification and labelling programme for responsible aquaculture. The ASC also ensures that the social rights and safety of those who work on the farms and live in the local communities are safeguarded. Employees working on ASC certified farms must have fair working conditions and contracts as mandated by the International Labour Organization. No child labour is permitted, and all workers must have free association and access to a safe work environment.
Integrated Pest Management
Arctic Sea Farm leads in sustainable pest control
Arctic Sea Farm hf. employs non-medicinal approaches to control sea lice populations and prevent resistance development. Their innovative methods include using lumpfish as a natural solution, while maintaining close cooperation with Arnarlax ehf. for area-based management. The company conducts regular monitoring through weekly lice counts during sensitive periods and when ocean temperatures exceed 4°C, with all data publicly available online. While ASC standards allow three medicinal treatments per cycle, Arctic Sea Farm consistently operates below this limit, demonstrating their commitment to minimal chemical usage. Environmental impact is carefully monitored through regular benthic sampling and third-party certification.
Wild salmonids
Wild Salmonids in the Westfjords of Iceland
This study explores the health and status of wild salmonids, with a focus on parasites such as sea lice. Preliminary results show high infestation rates in wild fish, while farmed salmon remain nearly lice-free. For detailed methods, locations, and findings, we invite you to explore the full report!
