Aquaculture is considered to be the most effective animal protein production. (Image: Global Salmon Initiative)

GSI restates its commitment to more sustainable salmon farming

BELGIUM
Thursday, April 26, 2018, 23:00 (GMT + 9)

The Global Salmon Initiative (GSI) has released its fifth set of transparent sustainability data via its online reporting platform so as to continue on its pathway to a more sustainable future for aquaculture.

The GSI Sustainability Report, launched during the Seafood Expo Global being held in Brussels, includes five years’ worth of data presented per company and per region, and covers 14 key sustainability indicators – nine environmental and five social.

“As GSI members we are acting on our commitment to improve our social and environmental performance, and we know that transparency is an essential element of responsibility and in getting us to where we want to be in the future,” said Gerardo Balbontin, GSI Co-Chair and CEO of Blumar.

This report highlights that farmed salmon continues to be one of the most eco-efficient forms of protein production – with the lowest carbon footprint, and lowest feed converstion ratio.

It also stressed that over 40 per cent of GSI production is now certified to the Aquaculture Stewardship Council (ASC) certification, clarifying that five years ago there were no farms certified to this high standard – progress has been impressive in all regions.

The document points out that due to an increase in the use of non-medicinal approaches and sharing of best-practices in sea lice management, over the 5-year period GSI members have reduced the use of medicinal sea lice treatments by 40 per cent.

It outlines that by continued innovations in the sourcing and efficiency of feed ingredients, GSI members have reduced their use of fish oil and fishmeal by, respectively, 16 per cent and 15 per cent.

"All aspects of food production come with their challenges,” added Aaron McNevin, WWF's Global Aquaculture Lead.

In his opinion, it is imperative that we all take the responsibility to bend the curve on biodiversity loss. When it comes to aquaculture, one of the fastest growing methods of producing food in the world, this means further reducing its environmental impacts, in this case, of global salmon farming.

McNevin stressed that the GSI's commitment to transparency is evidence that they are committed to building a sustainable future.

“With five years of environmental data, it is promising to see positive trends emerging. We look forward to the industry continuing to move forward as well as increasing ASC certification to 100 per cent," he concluded.

For his part, referring to transparency as one of GSI’s four pathways to a more sustainable future, alongside cooperation, responsibility and innovation, Balbontin commented that transparent reporting across social, economic and environmental performance indicators not only shows their progress, but also provides the opportunity for them to engage with their stakeholders, respond to questions, and further focus their future performance responsibilities.

 
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