MacLean’s Nose and Invasion Bay farms receive ASC Certification

Congratulations to the teams at MacLean’s Nose and Invasion Bay for working towards Aquaculture Stewardship Council (ASC) accreditation, which was officially awarded to both Loch Sunart farms last month.

MacLean’s Nose (pictured above) and Invasion Bay are the latest Mowi farms to receive ASC accreditation, bringing the total number of accredited farms to 14.

The ASC seeks to promote the best environmental and social aquaculture performance and works with scientists, conservation groups, NGOs, aquaculture producers, seafood processors, retail and foodservice companies and consumers to recognise and reward responsible aquaculture.

There is a rigorous process involved for a fish farm to achieve certification. Community involvement is regarded as an important component of responsible aquaculture in addition to adhering to the highest environmental standards. Farms must be socially responsible and good neighbours. Local communities are even invited to have their say on potential ASC certification of nearby farms.

To highlight the central role fish farms can play in a small rural community, the ASC interviewed Rosie Curtis (pictured below), Farm Manager at MacLean’s Nose in its recent newsletter. In it, Rosie expressed her view that fish farming can improve the outlook for small rural communities by creating sustainable employment which will attract people to the area and keep communities alive.

Speaking about achieving ASC accreditation, Rosie said: “It’s a tough certificate to get, so I will display my certificate with pride. Hopefully in a couple of years’ time the whole salmon industry will be accredited with ASC.”

Read the interview with Rosie in full here.