The Age of Sustainable Seafood
Clean Farming
Clean farming is avoiding negative impact on the ocean environment, that means no permanent benthic impacts on biodiversity, zero chemical release to sea from sea lice bath treatment, and co-production of non-fed species (e.g., seaweed) for utilisation of nutrients from suitable farms and on fallowed sites whenever possible.
Monitoring seabed and biodiversity
Nutrients from our salmon farms have temporary impact on the biodiversity of the seabed under and on the adjacent area of the farm. This impact is reversed after harvesting. Monitoring the seabed and ensuring no irreversible impacts is part of regulations and certifications.
No chemicals into the ocean
Sea lice occur naturally in the ocean. Cermaq uses preventive measures such as skirts and deep-sea feeding to avoid them. When treatment is needed, we prioritize using non-medicinal processes such as fresh water and mechanical removal. At times, chemical treatments may be more effective and, even though our goal is zero-use, they may be required. Our goal is no chemicals into the ocean.
Waste management and recirculation of plastics
Plastics are used in our pens, feed pipes, ropes, packaging and much more. When new products are purchased, end-of-life disposal is considered. At the end of their useful life, materials are preferably re-purposed or recycled. We are not there yet, but together with our supplier and partners we are heading for 100% recirculation of plastic and waste with the goal of "zero waste to landfill".
Seaweed and co-production
Seaweed and clams are examples of species that depend on nutrients in the ocean and could capture the nitrogen, phosphate and carbon produced from salmon farming. This circular system has the potential to convert salmon farming waste into food, feed, and energy. Cermaq has been engaging in seaweed co-production in Norway, Chile, and Canada
Avoiding feed waste
Feed is the biggest expense of salmon farming, both in costs and in GHG emissions. Feed ending up on the bottom of the ocean outside our pens is therefore very costly. It may also affect biodiversity around the farm. Cermaq uses cameras and other methods for monitoring the feed and feeding behaviours of our salmon to minimize or eliminate feed waste. One lost pellet is one pellet too much
Healthy fish don’t spread disease
A healthy fish with high welfare performs better and has ultimately better quality. This is essential for the productivity and sustainability in our farming. Good health is primarily ensured through optimal nutrition, beneficial environment in the sea, and preventing measures as vaccines.
Check our performance
We publish both quarterly and annual sustainability reports