Fish farming done right

For Kvarøy Fiskeoppdrett, sustainable fish farming is not only consistent with company values, it is critical to their business.

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(Høvik, October 9, 2024) Rising consumer demand for salmon has created a booming industry in fish farming. According to the World Wildlife Fund, salmon aquaculture is the fastest growing food production system in the world, making up about 70 percent of the market. However, the rapid growth in this industry has raised concerns about the long-term effects on the environment and biodiversity, and how industrialised fish farming impacts small, local communities.

A holistic approach to sustainability

According to Alf Gøran Knutsen, CEO of Kvarøy Fiskeoppdrett, a family-owned fish farming company on Norway’s spectacular west coast, managing these issues has shaped the company’s approach to business. “Our core mission is to offer salmon of very high quality without compromising the environment or the welfare of the fish inhabiting it,” he says.  “And because we all live and work on Kvarøy, we take our responsibility to the island community very seriously.”

Kvarøy Fiskeoppdrett has placed sustainability at the heart of its strategy and has the certifications to prove it. In the last five years alone, the company has met standards set by the Aquaculture Stewardship Council (ASC), the Seafood Watch (SFW), Best Aquaculture Practices (BAP), GlobalG.A.P., the IBM Food Trust and has earned a Heart Check Seal from the American Heart Association. Kvarøy Fiskeoppdrett is also qualified as a supplier to the US based supermarket chain Whole Foods, which periodically sends its own auditor to the island to be part of third-party audits, managed by DNV, a leading certification body.

“Achieving these certifications has not been easy, but we recognise the value of independent third-party verification,” he says. “Meeting requirements not only helps us build trust with consumers and attract top distributors like Whole Foods. They are also a source of pride for our organisation. Furthermore, our collaborative work with different certification bodies, NGOs and government agencies helps us better understand the risks so we can manage them more effectively.”

Pioneering fish meal

Kvarøy Fiskeoppdrett has also demonstrated a willingness to tackle industry challenges head on. For example, industry critics note that the production and use of fish meal can have a negative impact on biodiversity. In addition to having a carbon and resource-intensive production process, the use of most commercially produced fish meal can result in the degradation of marine ecosystems, environmental damage and in some areas, the collapse of local fisheries.

To address this issue, Kvarøy Fiskeoppdrett began working with BioMar, a biotech company, in 2016 to develop a feed solution that includes protein rich microalgae, which is not only more sustainable to produce, but it also results in healthier, tastier fish. “It took some time for us to see results and it costs a lot more than traditional feeds, but it works,” says Knutsen. “Our fish are healthier, and we lower our environmental impact throughout the fish meal value chain.”

Old problem, new solution

Another challenge faced by the industry is sea lice, which can be potentially lethal to densely packed farmed fish. The industry has tried a number of solutions to mitigate this risk, such as using pesticides or cleaner fish (lumpsuckers or wrasse), but all have environmental consequences. “We don’t use pesticides or antibiotics, and salmon are not the only fish we care about,” he says. “According to the Norwegian Food Safety Authority, about 150,000 cleaner fish die every day in Norway’s aquaculture industry. We thought we could do better.”

In 2019, the company formed a partnership with a Norwegian based supplier to pilot the Stingray Laser system, which uses cameras to detect the movements of salmon as they swim through the water. As a fish swims by, the laser sends out pulses that remove any opportunistic pests from the salmon’s scales, without harming the fish. “It’s an expensive system, but it works,” he says. “We now have 84 units now in operation, and our sea-lice issue is under control.”

Local employer

The company also works closely with the local community to ensure the company’s business does not erode the social fabric of the island. Knutsen notes that Kvarøy’s population has almost doubled in the past five years and as the island’s single largest employer, they recognise Kvarøy Fiskeoppdrett has a role to play in people’s lives. “In addition to subsidising housing, we have invested in a number of small businesses to help diversify the island’s economy,” he says. “We have also provided support for sports facilities, social events, a playground and the school, which almost closed a few times. After all, we live here, too!”

While Knutsen acknowledges the benefits of investing in new technologies and community development, he insists that sustainability is as much about what you don’t do than what you do.

“Kvarøy pens are low density to reduce issues related to overpopulation and after we farm, we allow the water to be undisturbed for six to eight months to give it time to regenerate, which is three times longer than required,” he says. “We don’t use copper nets, or chemicals or GMOs to manipulate the colour, growth or taste of our salmon. And as for the company itself, we believe bigger is not always better. We are a small family-run company, and we like it that way.”

About Kvarøy Arctic (Kvarøy Fiskeoppdrett)

Kvarøy Arctic is a third-generation family-owned sustainable salmon farm located on the island of Kvarøy in Norway. Known for their commitment to sustainable aquaculture, Kvarøy Arctic produces high-quality, sustainably raised Atlantic salmon. They are a member of the Global Salmon Initiative and adhere to the Aquaculture Stewardship Council’s (ASC) rigorous standards, ensuring minimal environmental impact and a focus on fish welfare. Kvarøy Arctic's innovative practices include using non-GMO feed, enhancing fish health and nutrition, and collaborating with technology partners to improve farming methods and reduce environmental footprints.

About DNV

DNV is one of the world’s leading certification bodies. Through management system certification and training services, DNV helps companies manage risks, assure compliance and sustainable performance of organizations, people and value chains across all types of industries. With a specific focus on the food, beverage and aquaculture sectors, DNV helps companies tackle food safety, sustainability, environmental and quality challenges from farm to fork.

Driven by its purpose, to safeguard life, property, and the environment, DNV’s digitally enabled certification services help customers be transparent and build trust in their own operations and toward stakeholders.