Atlantic Sapphire earns ASC certification
Company is first RAS salmon farmer in US to achieve the label
Florida-based Atlantic Sapphire has become the first land-based salmon farmer in the United States to earn certification from the Aquaculture Stewardship Council (ASC).
Atlantic Sapphire is not the largest land-based salmon farmer in the world – that title currently belongs to Norway’s Salmon Evolution – but is believed to be the biggest to rely completely on a recirculating aquaculture system (RAS), harvesting 4,400 gutted weight tonnes of fish last year. Salmon Evolution uses a hybrid RAS/flow-through system.
The increasing number of RAS facilities being developed worldwide has prompted the ASC to develop a new RAS Module that focuses on key areas of impact around water use, water quality and water and waste disposal as well as energy consumption and emissions.
To earn certification, Atlantic Sapphire had to meet the strict requirements of ASC’s existing Salmon Standard as well as those of the RAS module, including committing to conduct a new biodiversity impact assessment.
Proud to be first
“We are proud to be the first ASC certified salmon farm in the United States,” said Atlantic Sapphire chief executive Pedro Courard. “This milestone underscores our commitment to minimising environmental impact, ensuring the highest standards of animal welfare and driving the future of responsible seafood production.
“By achieving ASC certification, we strengthen our belief that innovative and sustainable aquaculture practices can play a critical role in safeguarding the environment while supporting the growing global population. We’re excited to work together to promote the future of fish farming as one of the world’s most sophisticated, efficient and responsible RAS salmon producers.”
More control
Meghan Russell, senior market development manager for ASC North America, said: “RAS has been a growing trend in the aquaculture industry and ASC is keenly aware of the benefits that this unique method of farming can offer when done responsibly, including lower water consumption and greater environmental controls.
“As North Americans’ appetite for ASC’s sea-green label continues expanding, we look forward to seeing Atlantic Sapphire’s Bluehouse Salmon brand grow in the US market – for the benefit of people and our planet.”
Atlantic Sapphire, which is located an hour south of Miami, says that by producing salmon within the US it cuts out the environmental burden of imported seafood airfreight, addresses food security at a local level, and delivers fresh ASC certified salmon directly to retailers, distributors and chefs across North America.