Cermaq is reaffirming its commitment to sustainability, illustrating in a report released on Wednesday that in 2010 it minimized its number of farmed salmon escapes, increased its usage of byproducts and trimmings in fish feed, and reduced its farmed salmon mortality rate while curbing the use of antibiotics.
“Our basis is sustainable aquaculture; the manner in which we operate should reflect a long-term perspective,” said Cermaq CEO Geir Isaksen. “The most important thing for Cermaq in 2010 is therefore not the solid profits, where salmon prices contribute significantly, but our excellent operational performance.”
In the report, Isaksen listed the Norwegian company’s 2010 sustainability accomplishments, including reaching its goal of zero escapes among the 46.4 million fish it has in pens in Norway, Canada and Chile. Isaksen attributed the achievement to a “high level of preparedness” in terms of technical equipment, maintenance and training.
As for using its raw materials more efficiently, Cermaq said its use of byproducts and trimmings in salmon feed increased to 21 percent of marine raw materials in 2010, adding that there’s an opportunity to continue to increase the amount of byproducts and trimmings used in fish feed.
Cermaq also said its farmed salmon mortality fell 32 percent from 2009 to 2010 while its use of antibiotics plunged 76 percent. Its use of antibiotics varies from 15 grams API (active pharmaceutical ingredients) per metric ton in Canada to no use at all in Norway.
Need for treatment against sea lice also declined in 2010, said Cermaq. Preventive measures, strict requirements to smolt quality, vaccination and avoiding stress are essential to fish health and animal welfare, according to the company.
Cermaq is holding its annual general meeting in Oslo on 11 May.
