World-first for barramundi farmer Australis Aquaculture
Barramundi farmer Australis Aquaculture, LLC has become the world’s first producer to achieve certification against the Aquaculture Stewardship Council (ASC) Tropical Marine Finfish (TMFF) Standard.
The accreditation is for the company’s marine site in Vân Phong Bay Central in Vietnam.
Australis Aquaculture’s farming system integrates seaweed cultivation and a purpose-built frozen supply chain that minimises food waste and CO₂ emissions.
ASC milestone
“This is another milestone for the ASC and we’re thrilled to see a farmer with such an obvious commitment to environmental sustainability embracing the programme,” said Kathleen McDavitt, ASC US market development manager in a press release.
“This is also really great news for conscientious American consumers, as it helps to meet a growing demand in the country for responsibly produced seafood. Barramundi isn’t something most people eat every day but it’s easy to cook at home and delicious – an ideal way to support responsible food production.”
Science-based approach
“Australis chose ASC because it is widely recognised for its comprehensive, science-based approach,” said Australis co-founder and chief executive Josh Goldman.
“ASC’s new Tropical Marine Finfish Standard brings a thoughtful and well-structured approach to measuring social and environmental accountability of aquaculture. ASC’s market links will enhance trust in our brand and deepen our connections with our customers.”
Goldman profiled more than 30 fish species on a three-year global quest to identify a fish that could be farmed at globally meaningful scale in an environmentally sustainable way.
Vertically-integrated farming
He chose barramundi and developed a vertically-integrated farming operation in the marine tropics from the ground up, establishing hatchery, nursery, grow-out, harvesting, processing, and packaging capabilities. Today, Australis produces a line of frozen barramundi products that in Australia, the US and elsewhere.
Barramundi (Lates calcarifer), also known as Asian sea bass, is native to the Indo-Pacific. Popular in Southeast Asian and Australian cuisine, it is reported to have become the fastest growing aquaculture species globally over the past decade.
