Loch Duart says new feed has improved fish health and cut carbon emissions

Independent salmon farmer Loch Duart says its switch a year ago to BioMar’s Blue Impact feed has reduced its carbon footprint, improved health for the stock and reduced natural impurities in its fish.

The results of the analysis were announced today at Seafood Expo Global in Barcelona, the world’s biggest seafood trade show.

Loch Duart, which is celebrating its 25th anniversary this year, started using Blue Impact feed last year and is now harvesting the first fish to be fed on the new feed.

The company said a study of the outcomes shows that the new feed means its salmon have maintained high Omega-3 levels, achieved a smaller carbon footprint, cut the foraged fish dependency ratio (FFDR). Triple cleaning the fish oils in the feed also mean there are fewer natural contaminants for consumers.

Chris Orr, Sales Director of Loch Duart, said: “Not all salmon are farmed equally and at Loch Duart, right from the very start 25 years ago, we’ve been committed to raising the standards of our industry by pioneering fish welfare and low-impact farming methods. Loch Duart Salmon’s bespoke Blue Impact diet, produced in partnership with our feed partners at BioMar, is a game-changer, which prioritises low-impact feed ingredients and has circular and restorative thinking at its heart. The new feed is now 56.5% more carbon-friendly than standard farmed salmon diets and, with a new foraged fish dependency ratio of just 0.33, Loch Duart now has a net positive marine output.

“So what does this mean for chefs, restaurants and foodies? Well, our salmon isn’t just kinder on the planet, it’s healthier for customers too. The fish oil within the new feed is triple-cleaned, dramatically reducing dioxins, resulting in our feed having 67% fewer contaminants than standard farmed salmon diets. We are immensely proud to have taken this huge, positive step forward in our 25th anniversary year.”

From left: Robert Wilson, Business Unit Director at BioMar; Chef Thomas Leatherbarrow; and Chris Orr, Sales Director at Loch Duart

Robert Wilson, Business Unit Director at BioMar UK, commented: “Our Blue Impact diets were introduced to drive real improvements in key sustainability areas where aquaculture can make a significant environmental difference, including reducing the CO2 footprint, dependency on wild stocks and increasing the use of circular ingredients.

“Loch Duart embraced the principle from day one, switching their entire production to the new diet. We believe our Blue Impact diets are setting a new benchmark in sustainable feeds while maintaining the high quality standards that Loch Duart Salmon is known for.”

Chef Thomas Leatherbarrow, who was at the announcement of the new feed results, said: “I’ve been cooking with Loch Duart Salmon for years and the flavour profile is just unlike anything else; it’s a much healthier product to buy because its diet and bespoke feed mean it really is unrivalled tasting salmon.”

Loch Duart continues to use a higher ratio of marine ingredients than many other salmon farmers, but as the new feed includes trimmings from MSC-approved or Marine Trust fisheries, Foraged Fish Dependency Ratio (FFDR) dropped from 0.44 to 0.33 which the company says is best in class for a premium salmon producer with industry-leading levels of Omega-3.