Welfare at Harvesting
Ethics
"Look after your animals and they will look after you" - sound common sense advice from traditional agriculture. Modern ethics demand that we intensively farm any animal species to the highest welfare standards achievable. Those of a purely commercial persuasion simply need to understand the consistent quality benefits good welfare brings to their final product.
With his background in Ecological Science Ian believes that the future of the wild Atlantic salmon will be safeguarded by sustainable salmon farming in carefully selected areas. Indiscriminate high seas fisheries are now closed due to economic pressure whilst other benefits are apparent to the unbiased observer. The future development of a vaccine for sealice would do much to consolidate these benefits for those with genuine concerns.
Intensive salmon farming brings many benefits to our modern diet and it also brings certain responsibilities. Nevis Marine fully acknowledges the concerns of responsible Non Government Organisations (NGO's) such as the RSPCA's excellent Freedom Food scheme and the Humane Slaughter Association.
Nevis Marine works with our business clients to address the valid concerns of the modern consumer in a commercially sustainable manner. Ongoing and constructive dialogue with serious NGO's achieves far more progress than sensationalist "environmentalism".
Welfare Training
The comprehensive Fish Welfare Officer and Poultry Welfare Officer training courses run by the University of Bristol helped ensure Nevis Marine's knowledge is sufficiently broad to assist in future developments as the industry evolves.
Humane Harvesting
The most effective technology for the humane harvesting of salmon has been developed by an Australian company Seafood Innovations. Nevis Marine is now working closely with this company to ensure further improvements in this field.
Other useful links to applied fish welfare experts include the Fish Vet Group whilst the independent salmon farmer Loch Duart Ltd has impressively led the way in adopting best welfare practice throughout their farming cycle.
Future Development
Further refinement of farmed fish welfare is still required for our young industry. The trend towards ultra fresh filleting to supply the fresh salmon market will ensure that this research will occur within a reasonable time frame. Optimum fish welfare is essential at this critical stage of the farming process. Full harvesting control safeguards the quality of the final product destined for the discerning customers of Scottish quality salmon.
Corporate information:
Nevis Marine Ltd
3 Ardconnel Villa, Rockfield Road, Oban, Argyll, PA34 5DH
Tel/Fax: +44 (0) 1631 564729, Mobile: +44 (0) 7770 815994, Skype: NevisMarine
Email: info@nevismarine.com
Company Registration details: SC 235920
VAT Registration number: 827 5993 77