Atlantic salmon
What to check for
Location
All areas
Production method
Open net pen, marine
Rating summary
Atlantic salmon in the Faroe Islands are farmed in open net pens in the sea. Producing fish in open systems can cause environmental impacts such as: impacts of chemical and sea lice treatment usage; nutrient and organic waste deposition; outbreaks of disease; impacts on wild salmonids by transmission of sea lice, and escapes from farms. However, in the Faroe Islands, there are low levels of pathogens and sea lice are effectively managed. Salmon are carnivorous fish and rely on wild capture fisheries to produce their feed, MCS would like to see all these fish certified as sustainably managed. Due to the lack of data in relation to some of the environmental impacts of salmon farming, MCS is advocating a halt in industry expansion using existing practices until more evidence is available.Rating last updated May 2023.
Technical consultation summary
Atlantic salmon in the Faroe Islands are farmed in open net pens in the sea. Producing fish in open systems can cause environmental impacts such as: impacts of chemical and sea lice treatment usage; nutrient and organic waste deposition; outbreaks of disease; impacts on wild salmonids by transmission of sea lice, and escapes from farms. However, in the Faroe Islands, there are low levels of pathogens and sea lice are effectively managed. Salmon are carnivorous fish and rely on wild capture fisheries to produce their feed, MCS would like to see all these fish certified as sustainably managed. Due to the lack of data in relation to some of the environmental impacts of salmon farming, MCS is advocating a halt in industry expansion using existing practices until more evidence is available.
