The pike-perch module is part of Aquaculture Stewardship Council’s (ASC) scope extension project, which is adding more species to the ASC programme as part of its commitment to increase the number of ASC-certified farmed seafood products. New species, such as pike-perch, are added to the programme based on consumer demand, market development opportunity or producer interest.
Fabiola Mustafaj, research coordinator at ASC, stated in a press release: “There is growing consumption of pike-perch (Sander lucioperca) and an increased producer demand from Europe for certification. The development of the pike-perch module is a milestone for ASC and proves its commitment to diversification of species as we continue to grow and make ASC certification more relevant and accessible to farmers.”
"Farms using the module will improve their environmental and social performance through ASC’s robust standards and will ensure responsibly farmed pike-perch product is available to the market," he added.
Timeline of the pike-perch module
In January 2023, the ASC pike-perch module was approved by the ASC Technical Advisory Group (TAG). Following stakeholder consultation in March and April 2023, feedback was evaluated and incorporated into the final version of the module in May 2023.
- January 2023: TAG approval + public consultation TOR
- March/April 2023: Public consultation
- May 2023: Pike-perch module for public release
- July 2023: TAG approval
- September 2023: ASC board approval
- 15 January 2024: Launch of the pike-perch module
- ~2025: Integration to ASC farm standard
