All Tassal salmon farming operations ASC certified

Tassal’s Macquarie Harbour Farm was the first fish farm in Australia to meet the ASC standard in April, and the company gained certification for the last of its farms last week.

Head of Sustainability at Tassal, Linda Sams, said: “According to predictions Australia is expected to import over 1 million tonnes of seafood by 2020 - incredible considering the country’s potential to farm our own stocks locally. There is a clear opportunity here for local growth to meet the demand for responsibly produced salmon.

“We have invested a huge amount of time, resources and money into ensuring all of our sites not only reach, but exceed the standards set by the ASC.”

Tassal has worked closely in partnership with WWF since 2012 to develop its responsible aquaculture production to meet the requirements of the ASC Salmon Standard and over that time the company has implemented significant upgrades. These include, improving its feed formulation to reduce the reliance on fishmeal and fish oil; replacing the last of its copper treated nets; introducing a fish health department and fish welfare programme; and creating an ASC dashboard that publicly reports on any antibiotic use, wildlife interactions or unexplained fish loss.

ASC's CEO, Chris Ninnes, said: “I’d like to congratulate Tassal and its staff for their effort and commitment to achieving ASC certification for all of their farms. Their work and dedication will undoubtedly have a positive effect for the future of aquaculture in the region as it moves towards environmental sustainability and social responsibility.”