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                 Published article 
                
                    Eco-Certification in Aquaculture – Economic Incentives and Effects, Reviews in Fisheries Science & Aquaculture
                
                
                     
                    
                Authors: 
                
            
           Cecilia Hammarlund 
           
           Kevin Svensson 
           
           Frank Asche 
           
           Julia Bronnmann 
           
           Tonje Osmundsen 
           
           Rasmus Nielsen 
           
           
                     
                     
          
                In recent years, eco-certification has become an important market feature for aquaculture products, with several labels available for producers who want to signal sustainable or responsible production practices. In this study, the literature on the economic effects of eco-certification of aquaculture is reviewed to summarize the current state of knowledge and identify research gaps. The literature to date primarily focuses on Europe, the Aquaculture Stewardship Council (ASC) certification scheme, and salmon products, but there are also insights into other markets and species. Consumer surveys indicate a preference for eco-labeled aquaculture products in most cases but with significant variation in the strength of the preference across markets and species. In addition, eco-labels for farmed products may decrease the preference gap often found between wild and farmed aquaculture for some species. Other factors like geographical origin influence perceived premiums more than eco-labeling. For producers, evidence of price premiums is inconclusive, suggesting non-monetary benefits like improved market access and production practices as motivators. Certification can be costly, particularly for smaller businesses and in developing countries.  
                
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