Chris Ninnes, CEO of ASC, and Choi Yong-seok, President of NIFS. Photo: ASC

ASC and South Korea's National Institute of Fisheries Science Join Forces to Advance Responsible Aquaculture

SOUTH KOREA
Wednesday, June 25, 2025, 00:10 (GMT + 9)

Key Agreement Aims to Foster Sustainability and Innovation in Korean Seafood Sector, Bolstering Global Competitiveness

HAENAM – The Aquaculture Stewardship Council (ASC) has signed a landmark Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with South Korea's National Institute of Fisheries Science (NIFS), a leading aquaculture and marine environmental research institute under the Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries. This agreement marks a significant milestone in the transformation towards more responsible seafood farming, strengthening international collaboration and fostering sustainable growth within Korea's seafood cultivation sector.

During the signing ceremony, Chris Ninnes, ASC CEO, highlighted the global relevance of this partnership. "This is an important step forward in strengthening international partnerships and promoting responsible seafood farming practices that benefit fish, farms, people, and the planet. Together, we are setting a new standard for the future of Korea's seafood sector through environmental and social responsibility," Ninnes stated.

Choi Yong-seok, President of NIFS, commented: "With the fisheries industry undergoing rapid changes due to climate change and other factors, this MoU serves as a starting point for transitioning to an eco-friendly aquaculture industry. We hope that this collaboration with the ASC will present a standard model for sustainable aquaculture and strengthen the export competitiveness of Korean farmed seafood."

The agreement perfectly aligns with the missions of both organizations: to promote responsible aquaculture, support biodiversity, benefit communities, and meet the growing global demand for sustainably farmed seafood.

Under this Memorandum of Understanding, ASC and NIFS will collaborate on several key areas:

• Technological Development: Driving innovative aquaculture technologies for seaweed, shellfish, and fish cultivation.
• Information Exchange: Facilitating communication and knowledge sharing between international and Korean experts.
• Ecosystem-Based Certification: Creating new certification technologies that integrate an ecosystem perspective.
• Farming Condition Improvement: Working to optimize conditions on seafood farms, thereby supporting long-term environmental and economic sustainability.

This pact promises to be a catalyst for greener, more resilient aquaculture in South Korea, with positive implications for the global supply of sustainable seafood.

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