The Aquaculture Stewardship Council (ASC) has announced its decision to exit China following a review of its operations in the country.
“Over the last 18 months, ASC has undertaken a strategic business review of internal operations and of current and future operational regions and markets,” an ASC spokesperson wrote in an email to SalmonBusiness.
“As a result of this business review, ASC has decided to phase out programme operations and cease investment in China. This will allow ASC to focus and invest in coming years in regions, markets and activities where we believe we can have the greatest impact through effective use of our limited resources. Our position may change following future business reviews.”
This decision comes amidst criticism leveled at the organization for its failure to identify Uyghur and North Korean laborers in Chinese seafood processing plants. Despite this, ASC has chosen not to provide further comment or information on the matter.
There are currently 37 certified aquaculture farms in China, which include species such as abalone, bivalve, freshwater trout, shrimp, tilapia, and tropical marine finfish. As of yet, there are no certified salmon farms in the country.
