Taiwan’s first seafood farm joins ASC improver programme
Tuna Rich Trade & Fishery Co. in Kaohsiung commits to sustainable farming for cobia and dragon-tiger grouper through ASC’s improvement initiative.
TAIWAN – Tuna Rich Trade & Fishery Co., Ltd., based in Kaohsiung, has become the first seafood farm in Taiwan to enter the Aquaculture Stewardship Council (ASC) Improver Programme under an Aquaculture Improvement Project (AIP).
The initiative involves farms that are not yet certified but are working towards meeting ASC standards through a structured process aimed at improving environmental, social, and operational practices.
The Kaohsiung-based facility farms cobia (Rachycentron canadum) and dragon-tiger grouper (Epinephelus fuscoguttatus X Epinephelus lanceolatus), producing around 95 metric tonnes of cobia and 480 metric tonnes of dragon-tiger grouper annually.
By enrolling in the programme, the company plans to enhance fish welfare, improve working conditions, and ensure better transparency throughout its production chain.
According to ASC, the Improver Programme serves as a stepping stone for aquaculture producers to transition towards full certification by introducing measurable actions and periodic reviews.
The council’s AIP and Governance Manager, Patricia Bianchi, said the move represents a significant development for Taiwan’s aquaculture industry, particularly for farms producing cobia and grouper.
She added that participation gives the company access to training, technical guidance, and tools to refine its farming operations while opening opportunities to connect with buyers seeking responsibly produced seafood.
Tuna Rich Trade & Fishery Co. CEO Jennifer Lai said the farm aims to make gradual but meaningful progress in sustainability through a transparent plan reviewed by independent experts.
She noted that the company intends to balance high-quality fish production with commitments to responsible aquaculture and better environmental practices.
Taiwan’s Expanding Aquaculture Sector
Taiwan has become a regional hub for tropical fish farming, developing advanced methods for raising cobia, a fast-growing species valued for its quality meat and adaptability to aquaculture systems.
The country’s aquaculture industry now plays a central role in meeting both domestic and export market demand while generating income for coastal communities.
Through projects like the ASC Improver Programme, more producers in Taiwan are expected to align their operations with international sustainability and welfare standards.
The Aquaculture Stewardship Council operates one of the world’s main certification programmes for farmed seafood, promoting environmentally sound and socially responsible production.
The council’s standards require farms to minimize ecological impact, ensure fair labour conditions, and maintain transparency from production to retail.
Its global vision is to advance aquaculture practices that support food security while reducing harm to marine and freshwater ecosystems.
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