Tasmania Farmed Salmon Achieves Sustainability Recognition

Australia’s largest farmed Atlantic salmon producer, Tassal Operations Pty Ltd. (Tassal), has earned certification to the Aquaculture Stewardship Council (ASC) standard, the most rigorous environmental and social sustainability certification program for farmed seafood products. SCS Global Services (SCS), a globally recognized certification body, certified one of Tassal’s major salmon farming sites, Macquarie Harbour, to the ASC standard in early 2014.

“Tassal’s ASC certification will not only provide market benefits for Tassal and its customers, but will also minimize impacts on the Tasmanian marine ecosystem,” said Robert J. Hrubes, SCS Executive Vice President. “By achieving ASC certification, Tassal is demonstrating leadership in responsible salmon farming.”

Certification means that Tassal’s farmed salmon operation conforms to the seven core Principles of the ASC standard.  These Principles address biodiversity preservation in the surrounding ecosystem, water quality protection, commitment to sustainable sourcing, and transparency with community stakeholders.

Tassal has committed to getting all six of its salmon farming sites certified under the ASC standard in the coming year.  The company also plans to pursue ASC Chain of Custody certification for its processing sites, to demonstrate that certified salmon is properly tracked and segregated from non-certified products throughout the supply chain.

“SCS is proud to be working closely with seafood farms in the Australasia region,” said Sabine Daume, Director of SCS’ Sustainable Seafood Program, based in SCS’ Australia satellite office. “We congratulate Tassal on their accomplishment, and look forward to working with Tassal in its pursuit of ASC certifications for all their farming sites.”

“With more and more customers demanding sustainable products, it makes sense for the environment and for the bottom line of Australian companies,” said Mark Ryan, Tassal CEO.

In addition to its ASC certification, Tassal has also conducted a life cycle assessment (LCA) of its operations in order to fully understand its environmental impact profile.  The LCA findings established the baseline data used by Tassal to reduce ocean nutrient pollution by 400 tonnes, thereby enhancing the health of the local ecosystem. Tassal’s ASC certification brings together key elements of its sustainability approach with the added benefit of educating consumers on the benefits of responsibly farmed salmon.

About Tassal:
Tassal is an ASX-listed public company that employs more than 850 people.  It operates two salmon hatcheries, three processing facilities, two retail outlets and marine farms in six regions throughout Tasmania.

SCS Global Services:
SCS Global Services has been providing global leadership in third-party environmental and sustainability certification, auditing, testing, and standards development for three decades. Its programs span a wide cross-section of industries, recognizing achievements in food and agriculture, forestry, green building, product manufacturing, and more. SCS is accredited to the ASC Salmon standard, and will add more accreditations as the market demands them. Visit www.scsglobalservices.com to learn more