European seabass

ASC(EN) ASC:
Aquaculture Stewardship Council, a worldwide eco-label for responsible cultivated fish.-certified sea bass is widely farmed in the Mediterranean, especially in Spain, Greece, Italy and Turkey. Farming takes place in open cages. This ASC-certification mainly promotes the use of sustainable feed during the farming process. ASC-certified sea bass is farmed in cagesCages:
A cultivation technique with open cages in the sea, lake or river. They are anchored to the bottom and are standing in places sheltered for storm and high waves. Most salmon is grown in this type of culture system. Because the cages are in open connection with the surrounding water, the impact on the environment is high..

European seabass has high dietary requirements and a high FFDR, indicating that the feed contains relatively large amounts of fishmeal and fish oil. GlobalGAP certification ensures that all feed producers are certified, improving the traceability of feed sources.

Farming in cages mainly takes place at sea. This farming method can have a major impact on the ecosystem because residual products and waste are discharged directly into the environment. It is also known that escapes occur regularly. Both genetic mixing between farmed and wild fish and the transmission of diseases can have major consequences for the ecosystem.

The legal framework for aquaculture in Europe is strong, and most social and environmental issues are addressed. The management of this species is largely effective.

The stock of European seabass is in poor condition. The spawning stock is still too small to be considered healthy, although fishing pressure has decreased.

Bycatch of vulnerable species is very limited in fisheries using handlines and rod lines. The seabed is not damaged, and CO₂ emissions are low. The effects on the ecosystem are not yet well understood. Lost fishing gear poses a moderate risk.

European seabass is not subject to European quotas, but the fishery is regulated through other measures, such as a minimum size and national regulations. Measures to limit the impact on the ecosystem are partially effective, while enforcement and efforts to reduce lost fishing gear could be improved. The updated methodology assesses the fishery more strictly, resulting in its score being lowered from dark green to yellow.

European seabass has high dietary requirements and a high FFDR, indicating that the feed contains relatively large amounts of fishmeal and fish oil. Although some feed producers appear to be certified, the origin of the feed used is often still unclear.

Farming in cages mainly takes place at sea. This farming method can have a major impact on the ecosystem because residual products and waste are discharged directly into the environment. It is also known that escapes occur regularly. Both genetic mixing between farmed and wild fish and the transmission of diseases can have major consequences for the ecosystem.

The legal framework for aquaculture in Europe is strong, and most social and environmental issues are addressed. The management of this species is largely effective.

Want to learn more about the sustainability issues surrounding European seabass? See our FAQ.

The stock of European seabass is in poor condition. The spawning stock biomass is still too low to be considered healthy, although fishing pressure has decreased.

Anchored gillnets can cause bycatch of vulnerable species, such as sharks and rays, seabirds and marine mammals. The ecological impact is not yet sufficiently understood, although CO₂ emissions are low. Lost fishing gear poses a significant risk to the ecosystem.

Mixed trawl fisheries can affect vulnerable (ETP) species. Little information is available on discards and post-release mortality, particularly for benthic animals. Data on catch composition are also lacking. The fishery is likely to have a major negative impact on the ecosystem, particularly the seabed. CO₂ emissions are moderate, and lost fishing gear poses a significant risk.

European seabass is not subject to European quotas, but the fishery is regulated through other measures, such as minimum landing sizes and national regulations. Measures to limit bycatch and ecosystem damage are only partially effective, and monitoring of vulnerable species is inadequate. Measures to combat illegal fishing are relatively strong, but enforcement and efforts to reduce lost fishing gear could be improved.

The stock of European seabass is in poor condition.

Bycatch of endangered (ETP) species in fisheries using Scottish seines is limited and consists mainly of thornback rays and blackmouth catsharks. The impact of this fishery on these species and the food web remains uncertain, partly because many catches are not monitored or sustainably managed. The impact on the seabed is likely to be low, and CO₂ emissions are relatively low at 3 kg CO₂ per kg of catch. Seabirds and marine mammals are rarely caught.

European seabass is not subject to European quotas, but the fishery is partly regulated through other measures, such as a minimum size and national regulations. Measures to limit bycatch, harm to vulnerable species and the impact on the ecosystem are only partially effective, while monitoring and management of many species are inadequate. Measures to combat illegal fishing are relatively strong, but enforcement, stakeholder representation and efforts to reduce lost fishing gear could be improved.