The world’s first! ASC certified red sea bream
Ehime Prefecture, Japan’s largest production area for farmed red sea bream witnessed the world’s first certification red sea bream in 2020 by the Aquaculture Stewardship Council. The Aquaculture Stewardship Council (ASC) is an internationally recognized certification system that that prioritizes environmental conservation, resource utilization, workers’ rights, and support of the local community. As global awareness of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) grows, this certification is also gaining momentum as an environmentally friendly method of aquaculture. Let’s closer examine this remarkable journey undertaken by Uchiumi Suisan and Dainichi to achieve this milestone.
MOTIVATATION TO OBTAIN CERTIFICATION
Umi Suisan, is a subsidiary of Dainichi specializing in red sea bream situated in the southernmost region of Ehime Prefecture. Taichi Oda, the company’s president and third-generation successor, developed a deep attachment to the sea while growing up near the Uwa Sea. Dainichi approached Mr. Oda with a proposition to jointly pursue this international certification.
In 2018, I became aware of ASC certification when global attention was turning towards SDGs. Growing concerns about marine plastic pollution and the environment prompted us to take on the challenge of obtaining this certification.
HUNDREDS OF EVALUATION CRITERIA
Despite extensive aquaculture experience between the two companies, obtaining ASC certification was not an easy task.
It was a challenging process with over a hundred assessment criteria to fulfill. We had to address not only the fish farming operations, but also various legal and regulatory aspects as well.
Among the numerous assessment criteria, the item that posed the greatest challenge for Mr. Oda-san and his team was “fish health management.”
Red sea bream being prone to bacterial viruses and seasonal illnesses related to specific water temperatures. This posed a challenge for implementing effective measures due to the ever-changing yearly prevalence of diseases.
GROWING HEALTHY AND DELICIOUS RED SEA BREAM
To grow healthy red sea bream each day is filled with experimentation and fine-tuning, A breakthrough came when we reevaluated feeds, stocking densities, and feeding methods.
First, we started by improving the feed. Just like humans, the key to good health is a nutritious diet. Through various adjustments made to vitamin composition, moisture content, and protein content, we developed a feed that was not only easily to digest, but enhanced the fish’s immune system.
Finally, we adjusted the feeding schedule and amount after closely observing the daily feeding behavior of the sea bream.
These endeavors have paid off as the growth and survival rates have now reached a level on par similar to Uchiumi’s conventional red snapper.
These efforts gradually bore fruit, and the growth rate and yield approached levels comparable to those of conventional red sea bream raised by Uchiumi Suisan.
ASC CERTITIFICATION – NOT THE END, BUT THE BEGINNING
While each task remained largely unchanged, we approached them with a greater level of dedication. Our team acknowledged the numerous challenges ahead and questioned our ability to overcome them. Consequently, it took a full two years to meet all the criteria and obtain the certification.
In June 29, 2020, Dainichi and Uchiumi Suisan achieved the historic milestone of becoming the world’s first company to obtain ASC certification for red sea bream. Sales began later that year, but Mr.Oda stresses that obtaining the certification was just the beginning, stating, “The real challenge lies ahead.”
The cultivation of the second generation is already underway. Our mission is to consistently raise healthy and delicious ASC certified red sea bream. We are dedicated to this endeavor, dreaming of a future where ASC certified sea bream are delivered to dining tables worldwide.
After two years of hard work, ASC certified red snapper have achieved the distinction of being the first of its kind in the world.
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