Abel & Cole has announced its decision to halt the sourcing of sea-farmed salmon, a move driven by increasing scrutiny surrounding the sustainability of fish farming practices. The online organic retailer’s commitment to environmental responsibility aligns with its broader ethos, established since its inception in 1988 as a purveyor of organic produce. Recognised for its high standards, Abel & Cole has been B Corp certified since 2018, reflecting its dedication to sustainable business practices and its goal to cut carbon emissions by 50% by 2030. The company intends to transition to an electric delivery fleet in urban areas by 2025, further enhancing its sustainability credentials.
The decision to stop sourcing sea-farmed salmon comes against a backdrop of mounting criticism regarding the impacts of fish farming on marine ecosystems. A report by the Dutch NGO Changing Markets highlights that UK supermarkets, despite marketing their Scottish salmon as sustainable, may inadvertently contribute to the collapse of wild fish stocks in regions such as Asia and Africa. The fishmeal and fish oil used in farming practices often derive from unsustainable sources, exacerbating the issues of marine degradation and species depletion.
The Sustainable Restaurant Association has echoed these concerns, raising alarms about the inherent issues within the farmed salmon industry. Their reports indicate that over 25% of Scottish farmed salmon die prematurely, primarily due to high mortality rates and disease prevalence. Moreover, farms often serve as breeding grounds for parasitic sea lice, which pose significant threats to wild fish populations. According to the association, the notion of a truly sustainable source of farmed salmon is increasingly being called into question.
In addition to ceasing its salmon sourcing, Abel & Cole has recently discontinued its use of compostable plastic packaging, further illustrating its stringent stance on sustainability. The retailer is now exploring alternative packaging methods, with an objective to eliminate unnecessary packaging altogether wherever safety and quality can be preserved. This decision underscores a commitment not only to responsible sourcing but also to comprehensive environmental stewardship.
Overall, the current landscape of fish farming raises crucial questions about sustainability, welfare, and ecological impact. Despite some retailers promoting “sustainable” farmed seafood, the realities often tell a different story. The absence of robust regulation in the UK regarding farmed salmon welfare and the environmental toll of farming practices call for increased consumer awareness and stronger legislative measures. As companies like Abel & Cole take decisive steps in response to these challenges, the hope remains that the broader industry will follow suit in striving for genuinely sustainable seafood practices.
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Source: Noah Wire Services