The Aquaculture Stewardship Council (ASC) Salmon Standard has been recommended by the Monterey Bay Aquarium Seafood Watch Program as equal to its Good Alternative recommendation.
In a new report, Seafood Watch credits the requirements for data collection and performance based standards, including parameters for the responsible use of natural resources, the use of responsible feed and restrictions on the use of antibiotics for farms certified to the ASC standard as the basis for the deferral.
“The recommendation that consumers buy ASC certified salmon by one of the most respected conservation organisation in the world is further confirmation of the credibility and effectiveness of our programme,” said Chris Ninnes, CEO of ASC.
Ryan Bigelow, program engagement manager for Seafood Watch said: “The improvements ASC has made to their farmed salmon standard, particularly the mandate to further reduce to the amount of wild fish ingredients used on the farm, allow us to recommend ASC certified salmon to our partners, the public and other sustainability organisations that rely on our recommendations.”
Upon the conclusion of its recent operational review of the salmon standard, the ASC updated or added 10 indicators to further improve the environmental and social performance of farms in the programme, including a reduction in the amount of wild fish allowed in aquafeed used to feed farmed salmon.
Seafood Watch recommendations are determined through a rigorous assessment process that ensures that seafood rated Good Alternative has fewer environmental impacts which allows them to recommend their purchase.
