Chris Ninnes, CEO of ASC, was enthusiastic and upbeat about the launching of this phase of the organisation's development: "Not only is this is a crucial moment in the countdown to our market launch of ASC-certified farmed seafood, it also represents a time to celebrate all the hard work that has been undertaken by so many supporters to develop and deliver the ASC Tilapia standard. Their dedicated engagement during the dialogue process has provided a robust and credible, globally-recognised standard. For some the conclusion of the dialogue did not mark the end of their endeavor. Their work continued, aided by a number of technical experts, as they turned the standard into an operational program that can be applied consistently worldwide by a cadre of trained auditors".
Jose Villalon, Chair of the ASC's Supervisory Board also highlighted the importance of having trained auditors: "Before certifiers can start their farm-based assessments they must have demonstrated their competence, integrity and ability to carry out credible audits in an independent and objective manner. This is in part realised through mandatory ASC auditor training, but also through the conformity assessment that is part of the accreditation process."
Ninnes also noted that: "ASC's use of third-party and independent accreditation and certification processes will underpin the long-term credibility of our standards and ultimately the effectiveness of our organisation to achieve its mission... [And] this effectiveness has its foundation in the organisation's independent governance structure that actively seeks broad stakeholder engagement".
Related documents such as the ASC Farm Certification and Accreditation Requirements, Tilapia Standard, Tilapia Audit Manual and Tilapia Pre-audit Checklist can be downloaded from: www.ascworldwide.org
(vasep.com.vn) Vietnam’s tuna exports reached USD 81 million in April 2026, down 6% compared to the same period in 2025. In the first four months of the year, export turnover totaled USD 289 million, down 4.8%. Although the overall export picture has yet to brighten significantly, market trends are becoming increasingly diversified rather than moving in a single direction.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) Vietnam’s pangasius industry is undergoing strong restructuring starting from the broodstock and fingerling segment in order to improve productivity, quality, and export competitiveness. This is considered a critical foundation for the sustainable development of the industry amid rising production costs and increasingly stringent market requirements.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) According to Vietnam Customs data, pangasius exports in April 2026 reached USD 206 million, up 18% compared to the same period in 2025 — marking another consecutive month of double-digit growth since the beginning of the year. Cumulative pangasius export turnover in the first four months of 2026 reached USD 720 million, up 17% year-on-year, reflecting the positive growth momentum of this key export product.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) Vietnam’s shrimp exports in the first four months of 2026 maintained positive growth momentum, reaching approximately USD 1.5 billion, up 15% compared to the same period last year. However, behind this result lies diverging trends across markets, as the global shrimp industry continues to face pressure from inflation, high inventories, price competition, and increasing trade risks.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) In Vinh Tuy commune (Kien Giang Province), many shrimp farmers are adopting bottom aeration systems and reporting clear economic benefits, helping increase income and reduce production risks.
(vasep.com.vn) In the first three months of 2026, Vietnam’s exports of crabs and other crustaceans reached more than USD 93 million, up 23% compared to the same period last year. The result shows that the sector is experiencing a fairly positive recovery, especially in its two key product groups: crabs and swimming crabs. However, behind the growth figures are several concerns: export markets remain highly concentrated, raw material supply is unstable, and trade barriers from the US and EU are becoming increasingly stringent.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) In Ca Mau province, many farmers are transitioning from traditional methods to high-tech shrimp farming, adopting recirculating systems with minimal water exchange to improve efficiency and reduce risks. In Hung My commune alone, there are about 260 super-intensive shrimp farming households covering more than 265 hectares, playing a key role in local economic development.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) In the first three months of 2026, Vietnam’s exports of fish cake and surimi reached USD 63 million, down 5% compared to the same period last year. Although total export value declined slightly due to decreases in some key markets, many other destinations continued to post strong growth, opening up room for this convenience-oriented processed segment in the coming quarters.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) Favorable weather conditions in the early months of 2026 have brought encouraging signs for fisheries activities in Quang Tri. Output has grown steadily, contributing to improved livelihoods for local residents.
Entering 2026, Vietnam’s seafood industry is facing a period of both high expectations and mounting pressures. Following the positive recovery in 2025, production and export activities in Q1/2026 demonstrated the strong adaptability of Vietnam’s seafood business community amid continued global trade volatility, intensifying international competition, and increasingly stringent compliance requirements in import markets.
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