Chilean salmon farmer AquaChile has published its 2017 sustainability report highlighting innovation and efficiency efforts in its operation, demand growth for its Verlasso premium brand, and the advances of its genetic research business unit.
The sustainability report, now the 11th installment, covers advances in the company’s environmental handling, social programs, certifications, local supplier hiring, and operational metrics. The report is audited by Deloitte and presented as a transparency initiative.
Among the top highlights for 2017 is the performance of AquaChile’s premium Verlasso Atlantic salmon brand. With a focused, differentiated production, Verlasso is now sold in 30 states in the United States, and has its “good alternative” recommendation ratified by the Monterey Bay Aquarium’s Seafood Watch program.
According to Seafood Watch documentation, Verlasso’s rating comes from “green,” positive metrics for the data provided by the farmer, controls preventing escapes, mortality rates, and the species’ sourcing. Seafood Watch also said AquaChile has taken measures to lower its antibiotic use.
The program considers Verlasso’s antibiotic use of 496 g/ton still very high, but much lower than the Chilean average of 735 g/ton. Its chemical use was the only “red” classification, but not deemed critical by the Seafood Watch audit.
The company’s report did not detail specific numbers on its antibiotic usage, but did say that it has taken efforts to reduce its antibiotic use, and that the final product does not show traces of its applications.
AquaChile also highlighted its educational programs for its 4,800 workers, and an agreement signed with worker unions, which it says are a result of long-standing practices put in place over time.
The company also pointed out advances of a technological innovation unit, AquaInnovo, which was created in 2007. The primary mission of the unit is related to genetic improvements and through genetic selection improving growth rates, fish color, resistance to diseases, and overall quality. Ultimately, the species in this program grow 7-12 percent faster than its control group for each generation. The firm has also developed a chip that allows for genetic analysis of both Atlantic salmon and tilapia, which it produces in its Costa Rica business unit.
AquaChile confirmed that a joint venture between Danish firm BioMar and AquaInnovo, ATC Patagonia, has started operating. The venture involves a center being built to perform genetic research in conjunction with the Universidad de Chile, and has financial support from the Chilean government.
The report also provided an update on its sales and operational information. Annual sales of all species in 2017 reached USD 633 million (EUR 541 million), and the total harvest reached 99,773 tons. The company operates six processing stations and 57 cultivation centers, down from 63 in 2016.
