ASC salmon review tailored to Scottish farms

SCOTTISH salmon farms which use smolts raised in freshwater lochs will now be able to apply for ASC (Aquaculture Stewardship Council) certification following a review.

The move updates the salmon standard and freshwater trout standard, resolving inconsistencies between the two and allowing for salmon smolt production to be audited against the trout standard.

Norwegian owned Mowi has welcomed the change, which will enable it to meet its goal of having all its farms ASC certified by 2020.

Until now, Mowi Scotland had been excluded by ASC rules, because of the way it farms, rearing about half its smolts in freshwater lochs.

Globally, Mowi farms account for more than one third of ASC certified salmon farms.

The review followed a rigorous, science based process, said the ASC, and is part of its commitment to adapt to changes in the industry.With the updates, smolt production for all ASC certified salmon farms will now require an on-site audit for the first time.

‘We are pleased that ASC has amended its salmon standard to include consideration of freshwater lochs, and we welcome a science based approach to its certification programme,’ said Rory Campbell, technical manager at Mowi Scotland.

In 2015, Mowi’s Loch Leven farm became the first in the UK to be ASC accredited. However, it had to allow for the certification to elapse, as it continued to work with the ASC on modification to the standard.The company is seeking a certification manager to oversee its ASC programme in Scotland.