Best Aquaculture Practices Certifies First Salmon Farms in Australasia

"The Global Aquaculture Alliance is proud to include Mt. Cook in the growing number of certified salmon producers," BAP Vice President of Market Development Peter Redmond said. "Mt. Cook is a truly world-class operation with a staff that is dedicated to doing the right thing in a sustainable way. Our hope is that achieving BAP certification will further endorse what was already a very environmentally friendly operation and help drive their growth into the future."

The highest salmon farms in the world, the unique Mt. Cook Alpine Salmon facilities raise fish in canals that carry glacial water from mountain lakes to hydroelectric stations. Their isolated location provides a culture environment free of diseases and chemical contaminants. Mt. Cook Alpine salmon, which have been produced in net pens at low rearing densities since 1992, are not treated with vaccines or antibiotics at any life stage.

"Not only is this a tremendous achievement for Mt. Cook Alpine Salmon, but it is also a significant moment for New Zealand aquaculture in general," Mount Cook Chairman, J. B. Bolger ONZ said.

Jeff Sedacca, president of the Shrimp and Aquaculture Division of Maine, USA-based National Fish and Seafood, Mt. Cook Alpine Salmon's key worldwide distributor, said the farms' first-in-region BAP certifications demonstrate Mt. Cook's commitment to industry leadership and sustainability.

"The quality of the salmon - and being able to drink the water after it passes through the farms - truly set Mt. Cook Alpine Salmon apart from any other aquaculture operations in the world," Mr Sedacca said.