Fish farms urged to join sustainable seafood scheme

Environmental campaigners are urging fish farm operators in Scotland to sign up to a new sustainable seafood scheme.

The call came as one of the industry’s largest companies announced it will join the Aquaculture Stewardship Council (ASC).

Marine Harvest said it would seek accreditation for all of its UK farms under the international scheme, which aims to reduce the impact of fish farming on the environment.

Its strict standards go beyond the minimum rules already in force in Scotland, tackling the use of chemicals, the killing of seals and the spread of parasites.

WWF Scotland director Lang Banks welcomed the move but called on other operators to make the same commitment.

Dawn Purchase, of the Marine Conservation Society, said: “We welcome the announcement that Marine Harvest is aiming to achieve ASC certification for all its salmon by 2020, this is good news for both the environment and consumers looking to make the best seafood choices.”