Fjord SpA, producer of over 15% of Italian smoked salmon, and Sjotroll Havbruk AS, one of the main Norwegian producers, have applied for and obtained Friend of the Sea certification.
Sjotroll owns six hatcheries and 25 seafarms. All farming operations are located in remote Norwegian islands in the Bergen area. An environmental impact assessment was run successfully at all sites, according to Norwegian statutory requirements. Parameters are tested annually by an independent laboratory for velocity, inorganic nutrients, redox potential, flora and fauna potential impact. Furthermore, daily water quality, temperature, tides and oxygen tests are run at all sites.
All seawater sites are offshore and have between 100 and 200m depth below cages, allowing for appropriate nutrient dispersion. Underwater cameras are used to optimise feeding practices. Annual benthic assessment at seawater farms have reported good results due to the depth and tidal movement of water. Strict procedures are in place and tested in case of any escape, also according to Norwegian legislation.
As part of the audit requirements, both Sjotroll and Fjord have engaged to assess the product's Carbon Footprint and reduce it over the next 12 months.
Over five million of Fjord’s Friend of the Sea labelled products will be out on the shelves in the next 12 months, also as private labels in some major retail chains in Italy.
