Leaders in Seafood Industry Discover Responsible Salmon Farming in Norway

Exploring Sustainable Aquaculture

The Aquaculture Stewardship Council (ASC) recently orchestrated its second Discovery Tour in Northern Norway, aiming to immerse leaders from the European seafood and retail sectors in the intricacies of ASC-certified salmon farming. Participants had the unique opportunity to visit top-tier farms such as Nordlaks and Kvarøy, as well as Skretting’s advanced feed facility, gaining invaluable insights into sustainable aquaculture practices.

Set against the breathtaking landscapes of the Vesterålen, Lofoten, and Helgeland islands, this tour marks a continuation of ASC’s commitment to showcasing responsible aquaculture in Norway.

Voices from the Tour

Madalena Garrido, Product Manager at Pescanova Portugal, expressed her enthusiasm about the experience: “Participating in the ASC Discovery Tour in Norway was an incredibly enriching experience. I gained valuable insights into salmon, aquaculture, and sustainable farming, and I’m truly grateful for the warm hospitality, excellent organization, and the chance to see the entire process up close. A special thanks to the ASC team for their tireless support and to everyone who made this journey so memorable.”

Participants from the Retail and Seafood Sectors

The delegation consisted of senior executives from some of Europe’s leading seafood retail and production companies. Throughout the tour, participants examined the implementation of ASC standards on farms, diving deep into environmentally responsible operations, fish welfare, feed sourcing, and traceability, as well as community impacts. At the feed facility, discussions emphasized how innovation in feed plays a critical role in enhancing sustainability and product quality.

Laetitia Rosing, ASC’s Norway Market Development Manager, noted: “ASC is expanding its engagement with the industry through our second Discovery Tour of Norway’s salmon farms, giving stakeholders the chance to see responsible aquaculture in action and the impact of our certification up close. This is a special opportunity to connect producers, processors, and buyers, while showing the growing demand for ASC certified salmon.”

“Experiencing firsthand what responsible aquaculture looks like is more important than ever, especially with ASC’s recently released Farm Standard raising the bar for the entire industry. Sharing the story behind the ASC label — with its strict requirements, independent verification, and full traceability from farm to store shelf — is essential to keeping market demand strong. That demand is what ultimately encourages more farms to adopt and uphold our standards.”

The Importance of Responsible Aquaculture

Aquaculture is witnessing rapid growth globally to satisfy the increasing demand for seafood. However, with this growth comes an added responsibility. The ASC Discovery Tour aims to enhance understanding of what it truly takes to farm seafood sustainably, ensuring the safeguarding of ecosystems, respect for fish welfare, and support for local communities.

By visiting certified farms directly, partners in sourcing and retail can witness the practical realities behind the standards, reinforcing their commitment to responsible supply chains and contributing to the advancement of best practices across regions.