Blogs & News

At GSI, we know that sustainable aquaculture goes beyond the water—it’s also about the people. Our members live and work in coastal communities around the world, many of them in remote locations, and staying connected to those communities is essential to how we operate.

Every year, our Sustainability Report gives us a chance to reflect on how member companies are working alongside their communities. It’s not just about giving back; it’s about building relationships and creating shared value to help everyone thrive.

Here, we’ve pulled together just a few of the stories from this year’s report that show what community engagement looks like in practice. Whether it’s supporting local education, protecting cultural heritage, or creating opportunities for the next generation, these stories reflect how GSI members are putting values into practice through real, community-driven action. 
 

Environmental Sustainability 

Across regions, GSI members are taking steps to care for the environments they depend on—often in partnership with the communities around them. 

• Cermaq (Chile) collaborated with schools and local communities on a reforestation program, combining environmental restoration with hands-on education for young people.
• Salmones Aysén (Chile) launched ReDiseña, a circular economy initiative that supports local businesses by providing training and tools to develop sustainable products. In 2024, Eluney, a small, women-led business repurposed fishing nets to create and sell computer sleeves.
• Blumar (Chile) worked with The Nature Conservancy and local partners to promote the Restorative Algae Aquaculture for Communities and Ocean Health initiative, which improves ocean health and supports local livelihoods for small-scale fishing communities.
• Bakkafrost (Faroe Islands) invested in a new air-cleaning system to reduce odor emissions from feed production and improve local air quality – an effort already receiving positive feedback from nearby communities.
• Cermaq (Norway) supported wild salmon conservation through monitoring programs and partnerships to improve river conditions and track the health of native stocks. 

Community Development

• Tassal (Tasmania) launched the Better Together Program through its Community Foundation to support local grassroots organizations across Tasmania, providing funding and visibility to over 25 groups working on food relief, women’s initiatives, education, sports, and the arts. 

• Grieg Seafood (Canada) supported Indigenous and local communities through contributions to cultural events, education, conservation projects, youth sports and job training. 

• Salmones Camanchaca (Chile) provided access to free oral health services and affordable eye care through local health campaigns, helping reduce barriers to essential services in rural communities. 

• Australis Seafoods S.A. (Chile) launched Boost Women, offering massage therapy training to promote financial independence and peer support for women in local communities. 

• Nova Sea AS (Norway) supports youth development in remote coastal communities by sponsoring local programs, teams and events—creating opportunities for children to connect, learn, and stay active. 

Educational Programs

• Ventisqueros (Chile) supported environmental learning in 14 schools through its Sustainable Schools Program and Agroecological Workshop, helping students and families develop hands-on knowledge in areas like recycling, urban gardening, and sustainable resource use. 

• MultiX (Chile) advanced environmental and technical education for over 200 students with workshops, school visits, and hands-on learning about sustainable aquaculture and resource use. 

• AquaChile (Chile) supported 129 students through a scholarship program for children and adults in the some of the most isolated regions of operations to encourage academic development and retention in education. 

Supporting Healthy Lifestyles

• Blumar (Chile) collaborated with the National Board of School Aid and Scholarships (JUNAEB) to include salmon in the diet of school children for high quality protein for development. 

• Huon Aquaculture (Tasmania) provided nutritious lunches to hundreds of children and assisted in running basketball clinics at each school as part of their partnership with Tasmania’s JackJumpers. They also supported those in need by donating over 1,000 kg of salmon across southern Tasmania to provide vital protein to those facing food insecurity. 

• Tassal (Tasmania) supported the Ronald McDonald House Make a Meal program, cooked 16 school breakfasts across eight schools in Tasmania, and donated 39,400 meals to the community. 

Through local initiatives, relationship building, and environmental investments, GSI members are committed to strengthening the resilience of the communities where they live and operate. To learn more, explore our annual Sustainability Report and follow along on social media for updates on community projects throughout the year.