ASC celebrates first farm to meet new standard

Lubimar, an estuary-based farm in southern Spain, has receved its certification under the new Farm Standard issued by the Aquaculture Stewardship Council (ASC).

ASC has hailed the achievement as a milestone in its roll-out of the new standard. Rather than transitioning from the existing species-specific ASC standard, the farm chose to be audited directly against the ASC Farm Standard, meeting a more comprehensive and demanding set of requirements from the outset.

The new Farm Standard, launched at Seafood Expo Global in Barcelona last year, is designed to apply across all farmed species, and is based on the four principles of “Fish, Farm, People and Planet”.

Located in a protected area (Parque Natural de la Breña y Marismas del Barbate) in the province of Cadiz, Lubimar produces around 2,000 metric tonnes of fish per year in a unique estuarine system built on former salt fields.

ASC said: “The certification marks a historic moment for the aquaculture sector, demonstrating that farming fish in harmony with nature, communities and the highest animal welfare expectations is not only aspirational on paper, but deliverable in practice under a single, robust standard.”

Widely recognised in Spain, and sold in more than 15 countries, Lubimar is especially known for its sea bass and sea bream, branded as Lubina y Dorada de Estero, a product closely associated with traditional estuary farming.

Lubimar operates an extensive estuarine farming system characterised by very low stocking densities, with a maximum of 3 kg of fish per cubic metre of water. The farm covers 700 hectares but only 35% of the area is used for farming, with the remainder maintained as a natural zone, which is integral to how the farm operates.

This natural area acts as a biological filter for farming activity, contributes natural food sources such as shrimp for the fish and supports a diverse ecosystem. The low-density model supports fish health and welfare and means antibiotics are not used.

Alongside sea bass and sea bream production, the site supports the growth and collection of seaweed and in the recent past also oysters. This multitrophic approach contributes to nutrient recycling and carbon sequestration. Lubimar has also installed solar panels within the production area to support renewable energy use.

Gontran de Ceballos, Sales Manager at Lubimar said: “When we arrived, these ponds were abandoned salt pans and unsuccessful aquaculture projects. Through our farming approach, biodiversity has returned, and today much of the site functions as a natural wildlife area that supports bird species such as flamingos, spoonbills and ospreys.

“Choosing an extensive, low-density model reflects our long-term approach to fish welfare and environmental responsibility. This shows how aquaculture can operate in close relationship with sensitive environments, while also playing a vital social role; providing skilled jobs in a community where employment really matters.”