Tasmanian salmon producer Tassal earned Aquaculture Stewardship Council (ASC) certification for all of its salmon farming operations.
Tassal’s Macquarie Harbour Farm, which earned ASC certification back in April, was the first fish farm in Australia to meet the ASC standard. Tassal then went on to complete its farm assessments in September, gaining certification for the last of its farms late last week.
“According to predictions Australia is expected to import over 1 million [metric tons] 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,” said Linda Sams, Tassal’s head of sustainability. “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; the global benchmark for responsible aquaculture.”
Partnering with the World Wildlife Fund (WWF) since 2012, Tassal implemented significant upgrades, such as altering its feed formulation to reduce the reliance on fish meal and fish oil. It also replaced the last of its copper treated nets; introduced a fish health department and fish welfare program; and created an ASC dashboard that publicly reports on any antibiotic use, wildlife interactions or unexplained fish loss.
The Tassal farms’ certificates were awarded following assessment by SCS Global Services (SCS), an independent, accredited certification body. For more information about the Tassal's commitment to ASC, view this short film produced by WWF Australia.
