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World’s First Farm Achieves Certification to the New ASC Farm Standard
March 30, 2026
A global milestone in responsible aquaculture
The Aquaculture Stewardship Council (ASC) celebrates a global milestone in responsible aquaculture, as family-owned seabass and seabream estuary farm CUPIBAR (Lubimar) in southern Spain becomes the first farm in the world to achieve certification against the new ASC Farm Standard.
Leadership from the outset
This achievement marks Lubimar’s first-ever ASC certification. Rather than transitioning from the existing species-specific ASC Standards, the farm chose to be audited directly against the new ASC Farm Standard, demonstrating leadership and confidence in meeting a more comprehensive and demanding set of requirements from the beginning.
Located in a protected area known as Parque Natural de la Breña y Marismas del Barbate, located in the province of Cadiz, Lubimar produces around 2,000 metric tonnes of fish per year in a unique estuarine system built on former salt fields. The certification marks a historic moment for the aquaculture sector, demonstrating that farming fish in harmony with nature, communities and the highest animal welfare expectations is not only aspirational on paper, but deliverable in practice under a single, robust standard.
Widely recognized in Spain and sold in more than 15 countries, Lubimar is especially known for its seabass and seabream branded as Lubina y Dorada de Estero, a product closely associated with traditional artesanal estuary farming. While the farm’s reputation for quality is well established, its ASC certification recognizes something deeper: a long-term commitment to responsible aquaculture that delivers measurable benefits for people, planet, farm and fish.
Farming with nature: Restoring ecosystems and livelihoods
Lubimar operates an extensive estuarine farming system characterized by very low stocking densities, with a maximum of 6.6 lbs of fish per cubic meter of water. While the farm covers over 1,700 acres, only 35% of the area is used for farming, with the rest is maintained as a natural zone that is integral to how the farm operates.
This natural area acts as a biological filter for farming activity, fosters naturally growing food sources such as shrimp for the fish, and supports a diverse ecosystem. Lubimar’s low-density model supports fish health and welfare and means there is no need for antibiotics to be used.
Alongside seabass and seabream, the site supports the growth and collection of seaweed and in the recent past also oysters – a multitrophic approach that contributes to nutrient recycling and carbon sequestration. Lubimar has also installed solar panels within the production area to support renewable energy use.
“When we arrived, these ponds were abandoned salt pans and unsuccessful aquaculture projects,” said Gontran de Ceballos, Sales Manager at Lubimar. “Through our farming approach, biodiversity has returned, and today much of the site functions as a natural wildlife area that supports bird species such as flamingos, spoonbills and ospreys.
“Choosing an extensive, low-density model reflects our long-term approach to fish welfare and environmental responsibility. This shows how aquaculture can operate in close relationship with sensitive environments, while also playing a vital social role by providing skilled jobs in a community where employment really matters.”
A new benchmark for responsible aquaculture
“Congratulations to the Lubimar team on this landmark achievement,” said Chris Ninnes, ASC CEO. “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.
“I recently had the pleasure of visiting the farm and seeing how they operate first-hand brings this to life. The work Lubimar has done to regenerate the area and bring back habitats that support a vast array of wildlife really is impressive. By working with its unique environment, Lubimar’s operations manage fish welfare and embed responsibility into day-to-day operations demonstrating exactly the kind of practices the Farm Standard is designed to recognize and drive.”
The farm’s perspective: choosing the highest bar
Gontran explained, “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.
“It required a deep and honest examination of how we operate, from environmental management to fish welfare and our responsibilities to people. The process was demanding, but it has strengthened our farm and our team. We are extremely proud to be the first to achieve this certification and to help set a benchmark for the sector.”
A call to action for farms worldwide
As the first farm to achieve certification — and the first to do so as its entry point into ASC — Lubimar has paved the way for others to follow. Ninnes concluded, “By becoming certified, farms can prove their performance, contribute to positive change across the industry, and play a vital role in protecting ecosystems, supporting communities and ensuring the welfare of farmed seafood – today and for the future.
“As momentum builds globally, we look forward to more farms stepping up to achieve certification and demonstrate their commitment to responsible aquaculture.”