Seabass and seabream producer Kimagro Fishfarming on Wednesday announced is earned Friend of the Sea certification for aquaculture.
Environmental Impact Assessments were carried out in 2004 before the aquaculture sites were developed and in 2007. The sites are located offshore, near the commercial port of Limassol on sandy-muddy seabed. The sea environment is oligotrophic with a strong upwelling from the deep sea. EIAs and Monitoring Studies have shown that no traces of the farm activity are recorded at 100 meters from the cages.
The offshore cages have a density of 12 to 15 kilograms fish per square meter and are equipped with video cameras to immediately identify escapes and to monitor the feeding habits of the fish. Cages are covered with special nets that prevent birds from getting entangled. Kimagro does not use antifouling paints as nets are cleaned effectively with a modern water blaster. Aside from being free of antifoulants, the company does not use any hormones, antibiotics, GMO’s or land animal proteins.
Fish is fed ad libitum so that their growth and metabolism simulates the natural rhythms, thus ensuring animal welfare, which is a priority at Kimagro.
“We are particularly fond of the Friend of the Sea certification, as it allows us to independently confirm our full engagement to sustainability at an international level,” said Tony Kimonides, founder and managing director of Kimagro.
