Aquaculture Stewardship Council (ASC) has announced that Humpty Doo Barramundi in the Northern Territory has achieved ASC certification, marking the first time an Australian barramundi farm has met the ASC standards for responsible aquaculture.
To meet ASC standards, farms undergo a third party assessment where they must demonstrate a commitment to responsible farming that protects the environment, safeguards fish welfare and supports the wellbeing of surrounding communities.
This includes maintaining high water quality, minimising waste, protecting biodiversity, and implementing social, welfare and health management practices. Farms must also show full traceability of feed and engage transparently with local stakeholders. These measures form a holistic approach to sustainable seafood production that balances productivity with environmental and social responsibility.
“We are proud to be the first Australian barramundi farm to achieve ASC certification,” said Dan Richards, owner and CEO Humpty Doo Barramundi.
“Strong environmental practice and high-quality aquaculture have guided our family business for more than 30 years and this certification confirms that our approach meets the world’s most trusted benchmark for responsible farming.”
Humpty Doo Barramundi’s saltwater wetland wastewater treatment system is a central part of its responsible farming approach and supports the farm in meeting ASC standards. Designed to mimic natural tidal and mangrove environments, the system recirculates and treats water in a closed loop wetland network, resulting in low impact to natural waterways.
It transforms nutrients into plant and algal growth for onsite use rather than contributing to pollution. This nature based system supports fish health, production efficiency and ecosystem protection.
“This globally recognised milestone supports our strategy of partnering with the world’s leading retailers, chefs and ethically motivated foodservice operators to grow the market for our high-quality, sustainably produced Australian barramundi,” said Richards.
“It also marks an important step for Australian aquaculture, demonstrating what responsible barramundi production can look like.”
Australians consume more than 350,000 tonnes of seafood each year, 65 per cent of which is imported (ABARES 2024). The Australian barramundi sector produced approximately 12,000 tonnes in 2023 and 2024, representing 13 per cent growth since 2023, and aims to reach 20,000 tonnes by 2025.
What this means for the seafood sector is that retailers and foodservice operators can now source ASC certified Australian barramundi for the first time, supported by independent verification. ASC certification helps supermarkets and suppliers meet consumer expectations for transparency and responsible sourcing.
“Humpty Doo Barramundi has demonstrated that Australian producers can meet the highest standards for responsibly farmed seafood,” said Ellie Dixon, ASC market development manager Australia.
“This is a proud moment for Australian aquaculture. Humpty Doo Barramundi’s certification is more than a national first, it represents the future of aquaculture, this achievement sets a precedent for the industry and ensures that consumers in Australia and beyond can access responsibly farmed barramundi.
“This certification is an important step forward for the sector and a powerful example of the positive change ASC aims to drive across global aquaculture.”