Salmon farmers dominate global protein sustainability rankings: report

Salmon farmers Mowi and Grieg Seafood, who raise fish in BC,  considered to be the lowest risk protein producers in the world

By SeaWestNews

Salmon farming is the most environmentally efficient animal production on the planet, with the lowest freshwater use, lowest carbon emissions and smallest environmental footprint, according to the latest independent Coller FAIRR Protein Producer Index.

The Coller FAIRR Index is the world’s only comprehensive assessment of publicly traded animal protein producers on critical environmental, social and governance issues. It assesses 60 of the largest listed global meat, dairy, and aquaculture companies on ten environmental, social and governance themes aligned with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Among the salmon farmers listed, two companies, Grieg Seafood and Mowi, have operations in British Columbia. Canada’s two other major salmon producers, Cermaq and Cooke Aquaculture, are privately held companies and not included in this Index but are globally recognized in other leading sustainability indices.

“Canadians should celebrate the global-leading sustainability performance of this innovative food producing sector,” said Timothy Kennedy, President & CEO of the Canadian Aquaculture Industry Alliance.

“In addition to playing a leadership role in environmental stewardship, Canadian salmon farmers are producing a healthy and secure food, creating year-round jobs, and they are opening new economic opportunities for rural, coastal and Indigenous communities,” he said.

Salmon farming is a blue economic opportunity for Canada at a time when farm-raised seafood is an increasingly important food source globally. The United Nations Food & Agriculture Organization (FAO) predicts that seafood farming globally will produce 63 per cent of all seafood by 2030. Seafood farming is already the source of over half of all global seafood production.

“There is such incredible opportunity for this young and dynamic sector in Canada,” explained Kennedy.

“Salmon farming is an increasingly precise practice which incorporates traditional animal husbandry with high tech solutions. There has been consistent improvement year to year through investment in new technology and innovation. We’re producing healthy Canadian-grown protein while protecting the environment and helping to combat climate change.”

Speaking about Mowi’s top ranking on the Index for the fourth consecutive year, CEO Ivan Vindheim said: This shows again that Mowi is at the forefront of sustainable food production. I am proud and humbled to lead an organisation that is a recognised leader in sustainable food production.”

Mowi’s Chief Sustainability and Technology Officer, Catarina Martins said  FAIRR’s methodology continues to evolve, and companies are expected to report more and show progress on more metrics than when the rating started 5 years ago, “so it is becoming increasingly harder to be ranked on the top.”

“Three Norwegian salmon companies are amongst the top 4 from all the 60 companies benchmarked. This reinforces the recognition of Norwegian salmon farming as frontrunners on sustainability,” Martins said.

The latest Index comes as the Federal Government  works on a transition plan that will determine the future of salmon farming in British Columbia.

(Image courtesy of Mowi)