Cermaq awarded for leading animal welfare.
Cermaq
Cermaq has been recognised with the 'Special Recognition Prize' from the NGO Compassion in World Farming (CWF) for humane slaughter of fish using percussive stunning.
The British organization awards salmon farming companies for their practices and standards to address fish welfare throughout the farming process, focusing in recent years on aquaculture.
Regarding this recognition, Cermaq's Chief Officer for Communication and Sustainability Lars Galtung assured: "Fish welfare has always had top priority in Cermaq, and we appreciate that fish welfare is getting more and more important to customers and consumers. We focus on welfare throughout all stages of production, including the termination of life."
Moreover, CWF Global Director of Food Business Dr Tracey Jones highlighted the importance of other companies following this trace: "We are delighted to recognise Cermaq for its global commitment to humane stunning methods for salmon. As one of the largest Atlantic salmon producers, they are setting a benchmark for both industry and certification schemes to follow."
Finally, Henrik Duesund, Global Fish Health Manager Feed & Fish Health Innovation in Cermaq, noted: "Cermaq's goal is to ensure that the animals are treated with respect and care, even in their final moments. We want to acknowledge the work CIWF is doing to bring attention to this important topic."
Already in 2023, Cermaq surprised with a new method to combat sea lice on its salmon. This revolutionary solution involves implementing laser technology to treat salmon lice at some of its facilities in Nordland and Finnmark.
The lasers, Cermaq stated, are both effective against salmon lice and gentle on the salmon themselves. This way, mechanical delousing measures are avoided, thereby reducing stress on the fish.