Aquarium of the Pacific’s Seafood for the Future Program Finds Grieg Seafood BC to be Operating Responsibly in Peer-reviewed Report
Grieg Seafood, March 20, 2013
Campbell River, BC –A peer-reviewed study of Grieg Seafood BC’s aquaculture practices by Seafood for the Future , has concluded that Grieg Seafood BC is operating responsibly and continues to make measurable progress towards reducing its impacts.
“We are very proud of our farming practices and have always been absolutely committed to demonstrating that farming fish in their natural ocean environment is part of the solution to some of the world’s environmental challenges. We are delighted with this positive endorsement of our responsible farming practices from an unbiased and credible seafood advisory program that promotes healthy and responsible seafood choices,” said Stewart Hawthorn, Managing Director, Grieg Seafood BC.
In addition to confirming Grieg’s responsible operations, the report also cited Global Aquaculture Alliance’s Best Aquaculture Practices certification as additional validation of Grieg’s commitment to sustainable performance.
“We believe that farming the oceans, done right, helps to reduce pressure on wild salmon by satisfying global demand for sustainable sources of healthy food. This peer-reviewed report again confirms we are doing it right. We hope this will help British Columbians to understand that they are making both a healthy and sustainable choice when they choose to enjoy our farm-raised fish. Working together, we can embrace and evolve renewable ocean farming to support wild fish and our ocean environment,” said Hawthorn.
Seafood for the Future will continue its partnership with Grieg Seafood BC, based on its exhaustive study of Grieg’s fish health management, marine mammal interactions, environmental mitigation measures, feed sourcing and practices, and community relations and environmental stewardship. The review, conducted to investigate and respond to allegations from some environmental groups, also applauds Grieg’s openness and transparency. Kim Thompson, Program Manager at Seafood for the Future, was the lead author of the report which was peer reviewed by Dr. Jerry Schubel, CEO of the Aquarium of the Pacific, who holds a Ph.D. in oceanography from Johns Hopkins University; and Dr. Robert R. Stickney, Professor Emeritus of Oceanography, Texas A&M University.
The review also concluded that B.C. farmed salmon overall will be recommended under Seafood for the Future’s “Specific Stocks” category, under which fish are recommended based on how they are managed in the region of origin. Seafood for the Future committed to work with farmers and concerned groups to try to find solutions to improve transparency and understanding regarding fish health.
About Seafood for the Future:
Seafood for the Future is a non-profit seafood advisory and promotion program of the Aquarium of the Pacific. Seafood for the Future’s mission is to promote healthy and responsible seafood choices. We’re building a network of businesses – restaurants, distributors, and producers – that are committed to providing better seafood choices from well-managed fisheries or farms.
About Grieg Seafood BC Ltd:
Grieg Seafood BC Ltd. Is a salmon farming company established in 2000, with offices in Campbell River, a hatchery in Gold River and farms located on the east and west coasts of Vancouver Island. It farms approximately 14,000 metric tonnes of salmon per year and directly employs more than 75 people from communities on Vancouver Island and the Sunshine Coast of BC. Grieg’s commercial activities support a wide range of rural communities and supplier companies on Vancouver Island and beyond.
