Gravelines, France-based sea bass and sea bream farm Gloria Maris Côte d’Opale has earned Aquaculture Stewardship Council (ASC), becoming the first such operation in France to do so.
"Achieving ASC certification is an important recognition of the work carried out by our teams over many years,” Gloria Maris Group Deputy CEO Bastien Riera said in a release. “This certification reflects our commitment to contributing to the development of a responsible, transparent, and demanding French aquaculture sector."
Gloria Maris Côte d’Opale is located on the coastline of the Hauts-de-France region and has farmed sea bass and sea bream for over 40 years.
According to the company’s website, the tides and sea currents in the English Channel provide optimal oxygenation and controlled growth of farmed fish. The company works exclusively with chefs, fishmongers, and premium distributors and is also invested in sea bass genetics.
To earn certification, the farm underwent an audit by the Conformity Assessment Body (CAB) to verify compliance with ASC sea bass and sea bream standards. After the audit, the farm was recognized for good practices in “managing aquaculture-related discharges, protecting surrounding ecosystems, responsible management of resources and animal health, and providing good working conditions.”
"ASC congratulates Gloria Maris Côte d’Opale on this remarkable achievement,” ASC France Market Development Manager Maxime Engler said. “As a pioneer, Gloria Maris Côte d’Opale is leading the way and demonstrating that a transparent and responsible French aquaculture sector can meet the highest environmental and social standards."
The Gravelines location is one of five sites operated by the Gloria Maris group; others are located in Corsica, Sardinia, Opal Coast, and Vendée.
