The Aquaculture Stewardship Council has marked a global milestone in responsible aquaculture, as CUPIBAR (Lubimar), a family-owned seabass and seabream estuary farm in southern Spain, becomes the first farm worldwide to achieve certification under the ASC Farm Standard.
Leadership from the outset
This achievement represents Lubimar’s first ASC certification. Rather than transitioning from an existing species-specific ASC standard, the farm chose to be audited directly against the ASC Farm Standard, demonstrating leadership and confidence in meeting a more comprehensive and demanding set of requirements from the outset.
Located within a protected area—Parque Natural de la Breña y Marismas del Barbate—in the province of Cádiz, Lubimar produces approximately 2,000 metric tonnes of fish per year in a distinctive estuarine system developed on former salt fields. The certification marks a significant moment for the aquaculture sector, demonstrating that farming fish in harmony with nature, communities and high animal welfare standards is achievable in practice under a single, robust framework.
Widely recognised in Spain and exported to more than 15 countries, Lubimar is particularly known for its seabass and seabream marketed as Lubina y Dorada de Estero, closely linked to traditional estuary farming. While the farm’s reputation for quality is well established, this certification reflects a broader, long-term commitment to responsible aquaculture that delivers measurable benefits for people, the environment, the farm and the fish.
Farming with nature: restoring ecosystems and livelihoods
Lubimar operates an extensive estuarine farming system characterised by very low stocking densities, with a maximum of 3 kg of fish per cubic metre of water. The farm spans 700 hectares, of which only 35 percent is used for production, with the remainder maintained as a natural zone integral to the system.
This natural area functions as a biological filter for farming activity, provides natural feed sources such as shrimp, and supports a diverse ecosystem. The low-density approach promotes fish health and welfare and eliminates the need for antibiotics.
In addition to seabass and seabream production, the site supports the growth and collection of seaweed and has previously cultivated oysters. This multi-trophic approach contributes to nutrient recycling and carbon sequestration. Lubimar has also installed solar panels within the production area to support renewable energy use.
Gontran de Ceballos, Sales Manager at Lubimar, said, “When we arrived, these ponds were abandoned salt pans and unsuccessful aquaculture projects. Through our farming approach, biodiversity has returned, and today much of the site functions as a natural wildlife area supporting bird species such as flamingos, spoonbills and ospreys.
“Choosing an extensive, low-density model reflects our long-term commitment to fish welfare and environmental responsibility. It demonstrates how aquaculture can operate in close connection with sensitive environments while also playing an important social role by providing skilled employment in a community where jobs are highly valued.”
A new benchmark for responsible aquaculture
Chris Ninnes, CEO of the Aquaculture Stewardship Council, said, “Congratulations to the Lubimar team on this landmark achievement. Their decision to seek certification directly under the ASC Farm Standard sends a strong signal. It demonstrates that the standard has moved from development to implementation, and that leading farms are ready to be assessed against a single, science-based framework that sets the benchmark for the sector.
“Visiting the farm and observing its operations first-hand brings this to life. The way Lubimar works with its environment, manages fish welfare and integrates responsibility into daily operations reflects what the Farm Standard is designed to recognise and promote. The farm operates in close partnership with its surroundings and exceeds certain requirements of the standard. Its efforts to restore habitats and support a wide range of wildlife are particularly impressive.”
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 set a precedent for others to follow. Chris Ninnes concluded, “By becoming certified, farms can demonstrate their performance, contribute to positive change across the sector, and play a key role in protecting ecosystems, supporting communities and ensuring the welfare of farmed seafood—both now and in the future.
“As global momentum builds, we look forward to more farms pursuing certification and demonstrating their commitment to responsible aquaculture.”
