Aquaculture set to play key role in food systems

GSI announces slew of new projects to cement the farmed salmon industry as the global leader in producing sustainable, climate-friendly and nutritious protein

By SeaWestNews

The Global Salmon Initiative (GSI) is introducing new projects to address global challenges in food security to further cement the salmon aquaculture industry as the global leader in producing sustainable, climate-friendly and nutritious protein.

The new projects include establishing a reporting framework of industry and supply chain climate impact, in collaboration with the World Wildlife Fund (WWF). This is the first-of-its-kind in the food sector and will be used to enhance climate mitigation strategies across production and the supply chain.

Other new projects include promoting responsible plastic use, and the development and integration of circular economy approaches to support a healthy and resilient food system, GSI said in a statement.

The GSI was established in 2013 by leading industry CEOs committed to helping feed the world in a healthier, more sustainable way through advancements in responsible salmon farming.

“The GSI has always been a leading example of change…Climate impact and carbon reporting are going to be critical elements of food production in coming years, and we know aquaculture is going to play a significant role in future food systems, so it is only right they take the leading role in this space,” said Jason Clay, senior vice president of market transformation at the World Wildlife Fund (WWF).

GSI Co-Chair, Regin Jacobsen, CEO of Bakkafrost; “We are all facing the huge challenges which continue to emerge on climate, biodiversity and food security. But by continuing to work together to address these challenges and share innovation, salmon farming can be part of the solution in providing healthy and sustainable food.”

Meanwhile, Mowi, the world’s largest salmon farming company, has left the Global Salmon Initiative (GSI), it was also announced today.

As with any organization, there are moments of evolution and members decide to take their own journey, said Gerardo Balbontin, said GSI co-chair and CEO of Blumar, Gerardo Balbontin

“As we announce this new vision, it is noted that Mowi has decided that the time is right for them to take their own independent path,” he said.

“Mowi has contributed a great deal to GSI, and we are confident that they will continue on the course that GSI set for the industry towards greater sustainability and transparency.

“At the same time, it is important that the GSI moves forward with ever more ambitious goals and that is what we are announcing today. We have identified the areas where we see the greatest need for industry action, and where we believe our model of working will drive the greatest progress.”

(Image shows GSI Co-Chair, Regin Jacobsen, CEO of Bakkafrost courtesy of the North Atlantic Seafood Forum)