Decrease Dependence on Wild Fish and Fishmeal

Certifications should encourage farming that doesn't require significant amounts of fishmeal or fish oil as feed. As part of this effort, agencies should encourage farming non-carnivorous species, as well as the development of alternative feeds.

Reduce Pollution

Pollution can be reduced with improved monitoring and treatment of wastewater from fish farms. In addition, regulations can improve transparency by requiring fish farmers to report quantities of chemicals and drugs used.

Protect Habitat

Legislation needs to be created to protect habitat, since aquaculture operations often occur near sensitive environments. Such regulations should also restrict the introduction of non-native species that impact natural ecosystems when they escape, and ensure that the fishing industry chooses the optimum sites for its operations.

Third-party Certification

Governments can't do it alone. Credible third-party certification is needed to assess each producer. In the same way that the Marine Stewardship Council has set the standard for sustainable wild fisheries, aquaculture operations need a gold standard that includes a simple label that consumers and buyers can identify.