Seafood labels are everywhere, but what do they actually mean? If you’ve seen MSC, ASC, or Ocean Wise certifications on seafood packaging at the store or highlighted on a menu, you may wonder how they differ.
This guide aims to break down the three main labels that matter in Canada, with a special look at what they mean for shoppers and seafood lovers in Atlantic Canada.
What is the Marine Stewardship Council (MSC)?
The Marine Stewardship Council (MSC) certifies wild-caught fisheries that meet strict standards for stock health, environmental impact, and management. The blue MSC label tells you a product came from a responsibly managed fishery.
In Canada, several Atlantic fisheries, including lobster and snow crab, have earned MSC certification.
What is the Aquaculture Stewardship Council (ASC)?
The Aquaculture Stewardship Council (ASC) sets standards for farmed seafood. Its green label means a product was raised in a way that limits environmental impacts, considers fish welfare, and benefits local communities.
What is the Ocean Wise seafood program?
Ocean Wise, founded by the Vancouver Aquarium, is a Canadian program that highlights recommended seafood options. The Ocean Wise symbol shows a product or menu item meets science-based criteria for sustainability.
Unlike MSC and ASC, Ocean Wise is not a certification. It is a recommendation program that helps Canadians choose ocean-friendly seafood at grocery stores, restaurants, and markets.
In Atlantic Canada, Afishionado supplies Sustainable Blue salmon, which is Ocean Wise recommended. This land-based salmon is grown in a closed system that eliminates escapes, recycles water, and minimizes environmental impacts. It’s the closest to wild salmon available.
How to recognize sustainable seafood labels
| Label | What it means | Where you’ll find it |
|---|---|---|
| MSC | Certified wild fisheries | Packaged seafood, fish counters |
| ASC | Certified aquaculture | Farmed seafood products |
| Ocean Wise | Canadian recommendation program | Menus, fish counters, grocery stores |
These labels make it easier to trust that your purchase supports responsible practices.
Why MSC, ASC, and Ocean Wise seafood certifications matter
Certifications prevent greenwashing and provide accountability. They let you know an independent body has reviewed a fishery or farm, so your purchase supports healthier oceans.
For consumers, they simplify decision-making. You do not need to research every species or fishing method, you only need to look for the label.
What these labels mean in Atlantic Canada
For seafood lovers in Atlantic Canada, these labels are more than abstract concepts:
- MSC certification already covers local staples like lobster, scallops, and snow crab.
- Ocean Wise recommendations include innovative aquaculture such as Sustainable Blue salmon, available through Afishionado’s Sustainable Blue store. Ocean Wise partnerships are also showing up on menus across Halifax, helping diners identify the most ocean-friendly local options.
- ASC certification is not yet widespread in Atlantic Canada, though aquaculture producers are moving in that direction. As the sector grows, ASC standards are expected to become more visible in the region.
At Afishionado, our commitment is to source seafood that meets or exceeds these benchmarks, so customers can shop with confidence. Explore our online store and get it delivered high-quality, sustainable seafood delivered right to your home.
Other labels you might see
While MSC, ASC, and Ocean Wise are the most relevant in Canada, you may come across:
- Best Aquaculture Practices (BAP): Farmed seafood standard for environment and social responsibility, common in global markets.
- Friend of the Sea: An international certification for both wild and farmed seafood.
- SeaChoice: A Canadian traffic-light system that helps retailers and consumers assess seafood sustainability.
- Seafood Watch: A U.S. program that produces green, yellow, and red consumer guides, sometimes used in Canada.
These are not as common in Atlantic Canada, but knowing them can help when you are shopping internationally.
Bottom line
Seafood labels can seem complex, but they all aim to make your choices clearer. Look for MSC for wild seafood, ASC for farmed seafood, and Ocean Wise for trusted Canadian recommendations.
At Afishionado, sourcing is built on these principles. By shopping through our sustainable seafood boxes, you support fisheries and farms working to protect the future of our oceans.
