The role of eco-certification in marine salmon farming

Abstract

Eco-certification schemes are certifying an increasing volume of farmed seafood. These schemes promise to improve industry practices and sustainability by creating market incentives for producers to participate in eco-certification programs. However, the role and success of these schemes in contributing to ecosystem sustainability is unclear. This thesis explores the role of eco-certification in marine salmon farming, an aquaculture industry in which eco-certification has become especially relevant. It explores the current and potential role of salmon farming eco-certification in creating positive sustainability outcomes using the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO)’s Ecosystem Approach to Aquaculture (EAA), a strategy for the development of sustainable aquaculture within the context of ecosystem services, as a guiding framework. Building on a literature review of the challenges and opportunities for aquaculture eco-certification to bring about sustainability (Chapter 2), this thesis identifies ecosystem services represented in salmon farming eco-certification schemes (Chapter 3). It then identifies themes related to the limitations of eco-certification schemes in addressing ecosystem-level sustainability that emerged from interviews with eco-certification scheme staff, auditors, and salmon farming industry members (Chapter 4). The relationship between stakeholders and eco-certification is explored using a public survey (Chapter 5) and analysis of salmon farming company sustainability reporting (Chapter 6). Results indicate that salmon aquaculture eco-certification addresses some ecosystem-level environmental sustainability issues, and that improvements can be made to better support EAA. Eco-certification appears to have a limited role in reputational risk management for farming companies but is important for indicating commitment to sustainability to shareholders. Finally, the efficacy of salmon farming eco-certification should be considered in concert with public regulation and corporate social responsibility (CSR) practices. The findings from this research contribute to an understanding of the success and effectiveness of aquaculture eco-certification, especially its relevance in supporting EAA, and provide practical insights for salmon farming companies and eco-certification schemes.