The new recruits, one from Chile and three from Norway, bring GSI membership to 16 salmon farming companies and 8 Associate Members.
“We are delighted to welcome four new members into the GSI,” said Gerardo Balbontin, GSI Co-Chair and CEO of Blumar Seafoods. “It is a sign that what we are doing is the right thing, having an impact, and that others want to be a part of it.”
“The GSI is a leadership group for companies who share its vision and level of ambition, and we are willing to work collaboratively when it comes to making environmental improvements,” commented Per Grieg, GSI Co-Chair and Chairman of Grieg Seafoods. “It is extremely pleasing to see more companies, both Norwegian and Chilean, wanting to join the circle and commit to working towards the GSI goals.”
In joining the GSI, each of the new members have committed to following the GSI’s three key principles of sustainability, transparency and cooperation. In addition, they have committed to working towards the GSI member’s shared aims, including contributing to the annual GSI Sustainability Report and working towards Aquaculture Stewardship Council (ASC) certification.
“We have been following the work of the GSI for a long time now, but as a smaller Norwegian only company we were unsure if it was the right model for us,” said Tore Holand, CEO of Midt-Norsk Havbruk AS. “But after speaking with the other Norwegian members, and seeing what they are working on and what they are aiming to achieve, we immediately saw how the GSI mission not only aligned with ours but also how by working together we could be part of a much bigger movement and see much greater progress over a shorter time.”
“This is very encouraging news. Companies that join the GSI commit to becoming 100% ASC certified. This means a commitment to better practice management of people’s working conditions, biodiversity and species protection, water quality and fish health," said Dr Piers Hart, Global Head of Aquaculture at WWF. “It is important that the GSI continues to work at the same pace and level of commitment as membership increases. We encourage all companies to make ambitious commitments and join the GSI. WWF will be closely monitoring progress of the GSI.”
