Lubimar, through its Cupibar farm, has become the first in the world to achieve certification under the new global ASC Farm Standard, according to the Aquaculture Stewardship Council (ASC).
This milestone marks the transition of the standard from concept to real-world implementation, establishing a single framework that integrates environmental, social, animal welfare and farm management requirements across different species and production systems.
Located in the Breña and Barbate Marshes Natural Park, in the province of Cádiz, the farm produces 2,000 tonnes of seabass and seabream annually within an estuarine system developed on former salt pans. This model, characterised by very low stocking densities — up to a maximum of 3 kg per cubic metre — and strong integration with the natural environment, has been a key factor in achieving certification.
According to ASC, Lubimar chose to be audited directly against the new standard rather than transitioning from previous species-specific schemes. This decision reinforces the pioneering nature of the certification and positions the farm as an early adopter of the new framework.
The production system combines fish farming with natural areas covering approximately 65% of the total surface, acting as a biological filter and a source of natural feed. The company highlights that this approach allows production without the use of antibiotics and supports biodiversity regeneration within the site.
In addition to seabass and seabream, the farm incorporates multitrophic aquaculture practices, including seaweed cultivation and, previously, shellfish production. This contributes to nutrient recycling and carbon sequestration. Renewable energy solutions, such as solar panels installed within the production area, have also been integrated.
ASC CEO Chris Ninnes noted that the certification demonstrates the shift of the standard from design to real-world application and that it can serve as a benchmark for the wider sector. Similarly, certification body DNV highlighted that the process involved independent audits, document reviews and the resolution of non-conformities in line with the new standard’s requirements.
Beyond this specific case, Lubimar’s certification acts as a proof of concept for the ASC Farm Standard, a framework designed to progressively replace species-specific standards and adapt to the diversification of aquaculture production systems.
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