Denmark aims to be the world’s most sustainable and responsible fish farming nation

Aquaculture is the fastest growing food industry in the world and today, approximately 50% of all the fish and shellfish that are consumed around the world originate from aquaculture. Unfortunately, in some places aquaculture leads to considerable environmental impact, such as pollution because of e.g. chemical use. In Denmark sustainable aquaculture is a high priority, and something we constantly aim to do better. 

Aquaculture – breeding of fish, shellfish and other organisms in water – has taken place in Denmark for over 100 years. Originally, it was in the form of fish farming on land, which is still the dominant form of production, but today there are also breeding in open sea and in fresh water.

Denmark has high environmental ambitions

Due to Denmark’s environmental ambitions and high cost levels, Danish companies are good at developing environmentally friendly and resource-efficient aquaculture systems, including recycling plants. By using clean technologies the environmental effects are reduced as the fish farmers recirculate and purify the water. The result is a significantly reduced water consumption.

Denmark as a pioneer in sustainable Danish aquaculture

In Denmark we set high environmental requirements to our food production and therefor Denmarks aquaculture industry aims to be the world’s first example of conventionally farmed freshwater trouts that are 100% Aquaculture Stewardchip Council (ACS) certified. To obtain the ASC label the farmers need to avoid stressed and sick fish, which can infect wild stocks, avoid impact on water and land environments around the farming locations, limit the use of chemicals and ensure good social conditions. In addition, it is essential that certified fish farmers fulfill their legal obligations. The ASC certification is a world renowned labelling programme for responsible aquaculture and today more than 20 Danish fish farms have so far obtained ASC certification according to the trout standard. The Danish certified fish farms have an annual feed capacity of approx. 14,000 tonnes of feed equivalent to well 40-45% of Danish production capacity.

The ASC label

Read more about the ASC certification here.

Source: Danish Aquaculture Organization and Danish Environment and Food Ministry