World’s first farm certified to the ASC Farm Standard by DNV

DNV has certified the world’s first farm to the ASC Farm Standard, marking an important step for responsible aquaculture. The certification has been granted to Lubimar, a family-owned seabass and seabream estuary farm in southern Spain.

Rather than transitioning from existing species-specific ASC standards, CUPIBAR (Lubimar) chose to be audited directly against the new, more comprehensive framework from the outset. This demonstrates a high level of ambition and commitment to meeting stringent requirements for responsible aquaculture.

Lubimar produces around 2,000 metric tonnes of fish annually, operating within a unique estuarine system developed on former salt fields that combines traditional methods with modern practices.

“Choosing to be audited directly against the ASC Farm Standard was a deliberate decision for us. We wanted to demonstrate our farming credentials by being the first in the world to achieve the ASC gold standard,” says Gontran De Ceballos, Sales Manager at Lubimar.

“From environmental management to fish welfare and our responsibilities to people, the process required a deep and honest examination of how we operate. It has strengthened both our farm and our team,” De Ceballos adds.

The certification demonstrates that aquaculture can be conducted in alignment with environmental protection, community considerations and high animal welfare standards, under a single, robust and science-based framework.

Lubimar’s production includes seabass and seabream marketed as Lubina y Dorada de Estero, widely recognised in Spain and exported to more than 15 countries. In addition to fish production, the site supports the growth and collection of seaweed and has previously cultivated oysters. This multitrophic approach contributes to nutrient recycling and carbon sequestration, while solar panels installed on site support the use of renewable energy.

The certification is the result of a rigorous and independent audit process carried out by DNV, including on-site inspections, interviews and detailed document reviews. The assessment identified areas for improvement, which were addressed through defined and time-bound corrective actions in line with the ASC Farm Standard and its assurance requirements.

According to DNV, this structured approach to certification is key to driving continuous improvement while ensuring transparency and trust across the value chain.

“The certificate to Lubimar covering the Cupibar farm is the outcome of a rigorous, independent audit and certification process. From the on-site farm visit to interviews and document reviews, Lubimar and the Cupibar employees have shown a strong commitment and drive to improve. Where non-conformities were identified, these were addressed through defined, time-bound corrective actions in line with the new ASC Farm standard and assurance requirements. This is the way to continually improve sustainably and ensure that transparency is maintained,” says Stefano Crea, Global Market & Industries Director at DNV.

Congratulations to the Lubimar team on this landmark achievement. Their decision to seek certification directly against the ASC Farm Standard sends a powerful signal. It shows that the standard has moved from design to delivery, and that leading farms are ready to be assessed against a single, science-based framework that sets the bar for the entire sector,

• Chris Ninnes
• CEO
• ASC

The new ASC Farm Standard, which applies across species, reflects the need for harmonised frameworks as the aquaculture sector continues to grow and evolve.