ASC certifies three Bakkafrost Scotland fish farms

Bakkafrost Scotland has achieved Aquaculture Stewardship Council (ASC) certification for three of its marine sites – the first time that any of its farms have been ASC approved.

The sites are at Sgeir Dughall in Loch Torridon, and Glenan Bay and Gob a' Bharra, both in Loch Fyne, Argyll and Bute. The company has also obtained ASC Chain of Custody certification for all three of its processing facilities on the west coast.

Bakkafrost Scotland managing director Ian Laister said: “This is a major achievement for our sites and for our teams. ASC develops and manages some of the strictest aquaculture standards.

“These standards include hundreds of requirements covering the potential impacts of aquaculture – including water quality, responsible sourcing of feed, disease prevention, animal welfare, the fair treatment and pay of workers and maintaining positive relationships with neighbouring communities.

“The award is a testament to the commitment of our people, and it is a significant first step in our journey towards further accreditation across the business in Scotland.”

With the addition of Bakkafrost Scotland to the ASC programme, there are now 54 farms certified or in initial audit stages in the UK, covering finfish and shellfish species.

“We are delighted that Bakkafrost Scotland has been awarded ASC certification and is joining a growing community of farms in the UK that are working towards transforming responsible seafood farming for the future,” said Lorraine Gallagher, ASC market development manager UK and Ireland.

* This article has been updated to correct an error. Bakkafrost stated yesterday that four sites - Sgeir Dughall, Gravir off East Lewis Greanamul, and Maaey, both off Benbencula - has been ASC certified. Today, the company said that it currently has three ASC certified sites - Sgeir Dughall, Glenan Bay and Gob a' Bharra - and that other sites were being audited for ASC certification.