Italian company Acipenser Srl has been found compliant with Friend of the Sea''s standard for several species of farmed sturgeon.
The species include Acipenser baerii, Acipenser gueldenstaedtii, Acipensernaccari and two hybrid species, Acipenserbaerii/Acipenser gueldenstaedtii, and Acipenser naccarii/Acipenser baerii. Caviar products resulting from the breeding are commercialised under the brand Royal Food Caviar and Perluga brands.
“Aquaculture is becoming more and more relevant economically and also as a way to preserve animal species and the environment. Acipenser’s compliance with our standard demonstrates that it is possible to grow a business and innovate in this sector while implementing sustainable practices," said Paolo Bray, director of Friend of the Sea.
Natural conditions
The plant, located in Calvisano, Brescia, in Northern Italy, consists of 10 hectares of land-based farm with large basins in concrete. The farm aims to reproduce the natural conditions found in sturgeons’ native breeding grounds and the facilities are lined with a layer of river stone pebbles.
The typical seasonal fluctuations in temperature and natural light conditions ensure that the sturgeons have a gradual and healthy growth. Fish are fed with GMO-free feed and no hormones are used.
According to Friend of the Sea aquaculture requirements, birds’ entanglement and fish escapes are prevented by means of appropriate grids with suitable size and texture and a management system in place with a corrective action plan in place.
