Changing the tide: sustainable food from the ocean

Sophie Ryan

CEO, Global Salmon Initiative

Global food systems must change to deliver healthy and sustainable diets while respecting people and planet. Could the ocean be a solution to this challenge?

The ocean covers 70% of the earth, yet only 5% is currently used for food production. While the ocean offers huge potential, 93% of wild fisheries are already fully or over fished. Farming fish offers an opportunity to better utilise the ocean for food while alleviating pressure on fisheries.

Many of us acknowledge that salmon is good for us; it’s nutrient-dense, high in heart-healthy omega-3s, minerals and vitamins. Lesser known, is that farmed salmon is one of the most resource-efficient animal proteins; requiring less land, fresh water, food and energy to produce. This powerful combination of strong nutritional and environmental profiles makes farmed salmon an important part of healthy and sustainable food systems and diets.

Responsible growth for positive change is imperative

However, as a young and rapidly expanding sector, salmon farming has faced challenges and must now focus on responsible growth. Seeing their responsibility and ability to drive positive change, the Global Salmon Initiative (GSI) was established in 2013 by leading industry CEOs, to accelerate improvements at speed and scale to ensure salmon farming continues to offer a nutritious and planet-friendly food.

And it is showing progress:

• 60% of GSI member production is now Aquaculture Stewardship Council certified
• Launching the first industry-wide, independently audited Sustainability Report in the food sector
• Driving improvements in sustainable sourcing and efficiency in feed ingredients
• Facilitating a global problem-solving platform to deliver best-practices for optimal fish health and welfare

Building on this strong foundation, the GSI is setting new ambitious targets and introducing projects to address global challenges in climate and food security. This includes establishing a first-of-its-kind reporting framework of industry and supply chain climate impact in collaboration with the World Wildlife Fund. Projects promoting responsible plastic use, and the integration of circular economy approaches, will also be integrated.

Through collaborative efforts to improve sustainability performance, transparency and innovation, GSI members help ensure farm-raised salmon is one of the most eco-efficient animal proteins available, while maintaining its high nutrient content and reducing pressure on the ocean’s resources.