Salmon group signs up new members

THE Global Salmon Initiative has strengthened its presence with the acceptance of four new members - the Chilean company Australis Seafoods and the three Norwegian breeding companies -Bjørøya, Midt-Norsk Havbruk and Nova Sea.

These bring the GSI membership to 16 farming companies and eight associate members.

The GSI was established in 2013 by global farmed salmon producers to focus on industry sustainability.

Gerardo Balbontin, GSI co-chair and CEO of Blumar Seafoods, said: ‘We are delighted to welcome these four new members.

‘It is a sign that what we are doing is the right thing, having an impact, and that others want to be a part of it.’

Per Grieg, the other co-chair and chairman of Grieg Seafoods, added: ‘The GSI is a leadership group for companies who share its vision and level of ambition, and we are willing to work collaboratively when it comes to making environmental improvements.

‘It is extremely pleasing to see more companies, both Norwegian and Chilean, wanting to join the circle and commit to working towards the GSI goals.’

In joining the GSI, each of the new members have committed to following its three key principles of sustainability, transparency and cooperation.

In addition, they are committed to working towards the members’ shared aims, including contributing to the annual GSI Sustainability Report and working towards Aquaculture Stewardship Council (ASC) certification. One of the new members, Tore Holand, CEO of Midt-Norsk Havbruk, said: ‘We have been following the work of the GSI for a long time now, but as a smaller Norwegian only company we were unsure if it was the right model for us.’