Atlantic Sapphire wins ASC certification
Florida-based salmon farmer Atlantic Sapphire has been granted certification by the Aquaculture Stewardship Council. It is the first land-based salmon farm in the United States to achieve this benchmark.
Atlantic Sapphire operates a RAS (recirculating aquaculture system) facility in Homestead, Florida. The company’s Phase 1 facility has the capacity to harvest up to approximately 9,500 tonnes (HOG) of salmon annually, under its “Bluehouse” brand, and the next phase will take the operation to 25,000 tonnes.
ASC is a not-for-profit impact organisation running a leading certification and labelling programme for responsibly farmed seafood, which includes hundreds of requirements certified farms must meet in order to demonstrate environmentally sustainable and socially responsible practices.
The number of RAS operations has increased significantly in recent years, pushing ASC to adapt its certification standards to these highly technical systems. ASC has developed a new RAS Module that focuses on key areas of impact around water use, water quality and water and waste disposal as well as energy consumption and emissions. To earn certification, Atlantic Sapphire had to meet the strict requirements of ASC’s existing Salmon Standard as well as those of the RAS module, including committing to conduct a new biodiversity impact assessment.
Pedro Courard, Atlantic Sapphire’s CEO, said: “We are proud to be the first ASC certified salmon farm in the United States.
“This milestone underscores our commitment to minimising environmental impact, ensuring the highest standards of animal welfare and driving the future of responsible seafood production. By achieving ASC certification, we strengthen our belief that innovative and sustainable aquaculture practices can play a critical role in safeguarding the environment while supporting the growing global population.
“We’re excited to work together to promote the future of fish farming as one of the world’s most sophisticated, efficient and responsible RAS salmon producers.”
Meghan Russell, Senior Market Development Manager, ASC North America, added: “ASC celebrates a sea of firsts with the certification of Atlantic Sapphire. RAS has been a growing trend in the aquaculture industry and ASC is keenly aware of the benefits that this unique method of farming can offer when done responsibly, including lower water consumption and greater environmental controls.
“As North Americans’ appetite for ASC’s sea green label continues expanding, we look forward to seeing Atlantic Sapphire’s Bluehouse Salmon brand grow in the US market – for the benefit of people and our planet.”
Beyond environmental responsibility, Atlantic Sapphire says it is committed to creating long-term economic and social value for Florida communities. The company aims to foster green jobs, invest in workforce training and support the growth of a resilient domestic aquaculture industry.
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