To transform aquaculture towards environmental sustainability and social responsibility using efficient market mechanisms that create value across the chain. The ASC certification program recognizes responsible fish farms and Feed producers that fulfil the ASC requirements. The standards include both environmental and social requirements of aquaculture farms and feed producers. For the traceability of the certified Aquaculture product, the companies in the supply chain must undergo and pass a chain of custody audit.

The Aquaculture Stewardship Council (ASC) was founded in 2010 by the Dutch Sustainable Trade Initiative IDH and WWF Netherlands as an independent, non-commercial organization

ASC has adopted the MSC's the well-established Chain of Custody standard. This means that companies in the supply chain can receive both MSC and ASC certification with one audit. The ASC standards are the only standards which are GSSI and ISEAL recognized. ASC published its feed standard in June 2021 and is, among other things working on animal welfare criteria for aquaculture.