2026 Aquaculture Certification Schemes Benchmark
Edition 5
Aquatic Life Institute (ALI) has launched the fifth edition of the Aquaculture Certification Schemes Benchmark. In 2026, the report evaluated 12 certification schemes and 2 rating agencies, representing the broadest scope of the Benchmark to date, expanding the geographic and regulatory diversity represented in the assessment while strengthening its global relevance.
Through transparent evaluation, constructive dialogue, and evidence-based recommendations, the Benchmark seeks to accelerate the integration of robust animal welfare standards across global aquaculture.
The Benchmark remains the only global, evidence-based tool dedicated to evaluating the strength and clarity of animal welfare language within aquaculture certification and rating frameworks.
The Benchmark serves as a practical resource for certification schemes, seafood companies, policymakers, researchers, funders, and animal welfare organizations.
The annual report - along with our general Certification Program - are designed to embed animal welfare into supply chains and trade regulations, encouraging accountability and reshaping the seafood industry on a global scale. It assesses the degree to which certifiers explicitly integrate water quality, stocking density, environmental enrichment, feed composition, transport & handling, and stunning and slaughter into their welfare standards. The final score also accounts for prohibitions on octopus farming, shrimp eyestalk ablation, use of insects in aquafeed, use of GMOs, and antimicrobial misuse.
This assessment focuses exclusively on animal welfare, recognizing it as an increasingly important component of responsible aquaculture and a growing priority for producers, certification schemes, retailers, investors, and consumers. It does not assess environmental sustainability, food safety, social responsibility, governance performance, or the implementation of and compliance with the standards.
2026 Aquaculture Certification Schemes Benchmark Results
In 2026, Certified Humane retains the highest overall score for the second consecutive year, increasing its performance to 9.5 following the incorporation of animal welfare provisions into its standards through changes informed by ALI's 2025 Benchmark. RSPCA received the second highest rating at 8.45, and ASC received the third highest rating at 7.95. Further, Best Aquaculture Practices (BAP) demonstrated one of the largest improvements in overall score and continues to show a strong commitment to strengthening its animal welfare standards through ongoing engagement and standard development.
For further details, access full evaluations here.
