Earth’s population is expected to grow to 9 billion by 2050. 2050 seems like a long time into the future but it’s not. Preparations need to be made as to what the population will eat. Experts say the world will need double the amount of food currently produced. Aquaculture is growing by leaps and bounds in an effort to fill future needs. As a result, standards have been set for farming seafood. Here’s a quick review of ASC certified salmon farming.

What is the ASC?

Organizations like the Global Salmon Initiative want all farmed salmon ASC-certified. Visit globalsalmoninitiative.org/en to learn about the group. They want shoppers to know the ASC-certified label means the salmon is healthy. ASC stands for Aquaculture Stewardship Council. The council works with salmon farmers to lessen the impact of farming on the environment. Mismanaged farms cause disruption of local ecosystems and water pollution. In order to be ASC-certified, farmers must work harder in several areas.

Environmental Impact

Salmon are bred inside net cages that float in oceans and rivers. There can be accidents where pesticides leak into surrounding waters. It’s also possible for farmed salmon to escape and interbreed with wild salmon. The spawn can be infertile. As a result, there has been a decline in the numbers of wild salmon. ASC implemented routine assessments to test whether other ecosystems are affected by nearby salmon farms.

Farmers who want ASC certification must avoid areas with high conservation value. Further, farmers must take every step to avoid fish escaping from the nets. Lethal incidents with wildlife must be reported right away. This is done so local governments know they can trust the farmers.

Diet

What salmon eat impacts the environment. Salmon are fed a diet of wild fish and soy. ASC-certified farms must limit the use of wild fish as feed. That’s because wild fish can be contaminated with PCBs. Hence, farmers must be able to prove feed comes from a responsibly managed source.

ASC certified farmers must test the surrounding waters regularly. Farming is limited to areas that test “good” or “very good” on the ASC scale. Oxygen and phosphorus levels are checked. In addition, the water must be tested for the presence of copper.

Disease

Sea lice are the main parasite that threatens salmon. An infestation can wipe out an entire farm. ASC-certified farmers abide by strict guidelines and must implement a Fish Health Management Plan. The farms are checked regularly for parasites and must avoid the use of prophylactic medicine. Unscrupulous farmers give salmon antibiotics to be ready for an infestation. However, this results in salmon that have unacceptable levels of antibiotics The ASC’s goal is salmon farms with high survival rates. Increased mortality rates signal a problem at the farm.

Being Humane

ASC-certified farms must follow the rules of the International Labor Organization. Child labor and forced labor are not allowed. Safety standards must be utilized that create a healthy work environment. Further, employees must make a good living and have set schedules. Farms are also encouraged to share information with nearby communities.

The ASC works to ensure the world has healthy seafood to eat. Moreover, they want the industry to be recognized as environmentally-friendly. They encourage farmers to work with others to achieve a safe product that’s delicious on the table. This is the responsible behavior needed to ensure there is enough food in 30 years or so.

Published: 2019-10-25 14:34:57