World first for Spanish bass and bream farmer Lubimar

A family-owned sea bass and sea bream estuary farm in southern Spain has become the first farm in the world to achieve certification against the new Aquaculture Stewardship Council (ASC) Farm Standard.

Located in the protected Parque Natural de la Breña y Marismas del Barbate in the province of Cadiz, Lubimar’s Cupibar farm produces around 2,000 metric tonnes of fish per year in a unique estuarine system built in former salt pans.

Widely recognised in Spain, and sold in more than 15 countries, Lubimar is especially known for its bass and bream branded as Lubina y Dorada de Estero, a product closely associated with traditional estuary farming. ASC said that while the farm’s reputation for quality is well established, the certification recognises something deeper: a long-term commitment to responsible aquaculture that delivers measurable benefits for people, planet, farm and fish.

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 (0.3%). The farm covers 700 hectares but only 35% of the area is used for farming, with the remainder maintained as a natural zone which is integral to how the farm operates.

This natural area acts as a biological filter for farming activity, contributes natural food sources such as shrimp for the fish and supports a diverse ecosystem. ASC said the low-density model supports fish health and welfare and means antibiotics are not used.

Alongside seabass and seabream production, the site supports the growth and collection of seaweed and in the recent past also oysters. This multitrophic approach contributes to nutrient recycling and carbon sequestration. Lubimar has also installed solar panels within the production area to support renewable energy use.

Lubimar sales manager Gontran de Ceballos 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 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; providing skilled jobs in a community where employment really matters.”

'A benchmark for the industry'

ASC chief executive Chris Ninnes said the Lubimar team’s decision to seek certification directly against the ASC Farm Standard showed that the standard has moved from design to delivery, and that leading farms are ready to be assessed against a single, science-based framework.

“The way Lubimar works with its unique environment, manages fish welfare and embeds responsibility into day-to-day operations demonstrates what the Farm Standard is designed to recognise and drive,” said Ninnes.

“The ASC Farm Standard represents a benchmark for the industry, bringing together ASC science-based requirements into one rigorous and transparent framework. This framework can be applied across different farming systems and species. Lubimar’s certification confirms the standard’s readiness for real-world application and highlights what is possible when farms engage with it at the highest level from the start.”

Demanding process

Gontran said that choosing to be audited directly against the ASC Farm Standard was a deliberate decision.

“We wanted to demonstrate our farming credentials by being the first in the world to achieve the ASC gold standard,” said the sales chief. “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.”

Stefano Crea, global market and industries director at DNV, the certification body which assessed the farm, said the certificate to Lubimar covering the Cupibar farm was the outcome of a rigorous, independent audit and certification process.

“From the on-site farm visit to interviews and document reviews, Lubimar and the Cupibar employees have shown a strong commitment and drive to improve. Where non-conformities were identified, these were addressed through defined, timeline corrective actions in line with the new ASC Farm standard and assurance requirements. This is the way to continually improve sustainably and ensure that transparency is maintained.”