The Global Salmon Initiative (GSI) Strengthens Global Presence With Acceptance Of Four New Members – Australis Seafoods S.A., Bjørøya, Midt-Norsk Havbruk AS And Nova Sea AS

London, United Kingdom – July 19, 2017, 09:00 BST: The Global Salmon Initiative (GSI) is pleased to announce the acceptance of four new members, Australis Seafoods S.A., Bjørøya, Midt-Norsk Havbruk AS and Nova Sea AS, bringing the 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 Australis Seafoods S.A., Bjørøya, Midt-Norsk Havbruk AS and Nova Sea AS 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.”

If you would like more information on the membership of the GSI, please visit the GSI website – globalsalmoninitiative.org or contact the GSI Secretariat at GSI@axon-com.com.

ABOUT GSI

The Global Salmon Initiative (GSI) is a leadership initiative established in 2013 by global farmed salmon producers focused on making significant progress on industry sustainability. Today, GSI comprises 16 companies – representing approximately 50% of the global salmon production industry – that are fully committed to realizing a shared goal of providing a highly sustainable source of healthy food to feed a growing global population, whilst minimizing our environmental footprint, and continuing to improve our social contribution.

GSI member companies are Australis Seafoods S.A.; Bakkafrost; Blumar; Bjørøya, Cermaq; Compañía Pesquera Camanchaca; Empresas AquaChile; Grieg Seafood ASA; Huon Aquaculture; Los Fiordos; Marine Harvest; Midt-Norsk Havbruk AS; Multiexport Foods S.A.; New Zealand King Salmon; Nova Sea AS and Ventisqueros. GSI companies have a presence in Australia, Canada, Chile, the Faroe Islands, Ireland, New Zealand, Norway and the UK, and make significant contributions to the economies of these respective countries.

In addition, the GSI also has a number of Associate Members in both the pharmaceutical and feed industries, including Benchmark Holdings plc; BioMar; Cargill; Elanco; Merck, Sharpe and Dohme (MSD) Animal Health; PHARMAQ; Salmofood; and Skretting.

For further information on the GSI, please visit or contact us at:

• Website – globalsalmoninitiative.org
• Email GSI Secretariat – GSI@axon-com.com
• Twitter – @GSI_Salmon

Media contacts:

Sophie Ryan
AXON
+1 604 506 8414
sryan@axon-com.com

Cameron Donald
AXON
+ 44 (0)7710 388 627
cdonald@axon-com.com