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This marks the first time an Australian barramundi farm has met the globally recognised ASC standards for responsible aquaculture. Humpty Doo Barramundi’s innovative saltwater wetland wastewater treatment system is a cornerstone of the farm’s commitment to sustainable practice and is one way that it ensures it meets ASC standards.
Designed to mimic the natural tidal and mangrove environments in which barramundi thrive, the system recirculates and treats water through a closed loop wetland network, resulting in low impact to natural waterways while transforming nutrients into plant and algal growth for onsite use rather than pollution. This nature-based solution supports fish health, production efficiency, and ecosystem protection, demonstrating a long-standing commitment to innovation, improvement and responsible environmental farming practices.
“Humpty Doo Barramundi has demonstrated that Australian producers can meet the highest standards for responsibly farmed seafood. Humpty Doo Barramundi’s certification is more than a national first, it represents the future of aquaculture, this achievement sets a precedent for the industry and ensures that consumers in Australia and beyond can access responsibly farmed barramundi,” said Ellie Dixon, ASC market development manager Australia, in a press release.
Dan Richards, owner and chief executive of Humpty Doo said: “We are proud to be the first Australian barramundi farm to achieve ASC certification. Strong environmental practice and high-quality aquaculture have guided our family business for more than 30 years and this certification confirms that our approach meets the world’s most trusted benchmark for responsible farming.”
To meet ASC standards, farms undergo a rigorous third-party assessment, where they must demonstrate a comprehensive commitment to responsible farming that protects the environment, safeguards fish welfare, and supports the wellbeing of surrounding communities.
This includes maintaining excellent water quality, minimising waste, protecting local biodiversity, social, welfare and health management practices. Farms are also required to show full traceability of feed and engage transparently with local stakeholders. Together, these measures reflect a holistic approach to sustainable seafood farming that balances productivity with environmental and social responsibility.
Australians consume more than 350,000 tonnes of seafood each year, 65 percent of which is imported (ABARES, 2024). The Australian barramundi sector produced approximately 12,000 tonnes in 2023/24, representing a 13 percent growth since 2023, and the industry aims to reach a national production target of 20,000 tonnes by 2025.
What this means for the seafood sector
- Retailers and foodservice operators can now source ASC certified Australian barramundi for the first time, supported by independent, internationally recognised verification.
- The ASC certification helps supermarkets and suppliers meet growing consumer expectations for transparency and responsible sourcing.
- The achievement sets a new benchmark for Australian aquaculture and strengthens Australia’s contribution to the global shift toward responsibly farmed seafood.
“ASC certification is a rigorous process that requires a significant commitment from farms to achieve. Our audit team, comprising both an environmental and a social auditor, conducted a thorough document review, engaged directly with stakeholders, and completed an onsite audit to observe production, verify environmental impacts, and interview staff across all levels of the operation. The auditors were particularly impressed by the strong emphasis placed on environmental responsibility and workplace culture at Humpty Doo Barramundi,” said a spokesperson for bio.inspecta.
A uniquely Northern Territory farm appreciated by chefs across Australia
Located on the floodplains of the Adelaide River halfway between Darwin and Kakadu National Park, the farm is shaped by its tropical environment. A long-term commitment to responsible farming has earned the company strong support from chefs who value provenance, flavour and responsible production.
“Seeing Humpty Doo Barramundi achieve ASC certification feels like a real win for Australian seafood. For me as a chef, it means I can put barramundi on the plate knowing it’s not only delicious, but also raised with respect for Country, community and the environment. Humpty Doo Barramundi is showing the kind of leadership our industry needs, choosing a path that reflects the values we should all be striving for,” said chef Mindy Woods.
