Sustainability of Our Barramundi Farms

Our Australian barramundi farmers are deeply committed to producing ecologically sustainable, eco-efficient and quality products. The ABFA (Australian Barramundi Farmers Association) developed a certification program addressing economic, social and environmental aspects of sustainability. Member farms must meet the strictest environmental standards to be certified sustainable requiring annual reporting and audits.

From the water quality, to the production and the feed, our Australian barramundi farms are highly controlled and monitored. This means, the environment is always considered and there are minimal impacts. This independently audited program sets minimum standards beyond regulatory compliance and recognises best practices.

It can be confusing for consumers to assess all the sustainability claims and labels on supermarket shelves. Support our farms who are going the extra mile and always #askforaussiebarra. Find a list of certified barramundi farms (https://australianbarramundi.com.au/sustainable-farms) which meet the following sustainability criteria: 

• Farms are developed to achieve sustainability within the local ecology
• Each farm monitors their potential impacts upon the natural environment
• Farms are located on approved and sustainable sites and new farms do not involve large scale disturbance of marine parts
• New farms and expansions are designed to maximise eco-efficiency and the water quality of any discharges
• Each farm has a specifically developed environmental management approach which has strategies to minimise environmental risks and maximise sustainability
• Farms ensure staff understand the obligations, priorities and strategies to achieve environmental compliance, sustainability and maximise eco-efficiency
• Farms identify key aspects of the local natural environment and potential impacts
• Farms undertake a specific risk assessment and develop mitigation strategies and contingency plans which address all foreseeable events
• Farms strive for continual improvement in sustainability and eco-efficiency
• Farms process fish and deliver to market in a manner which meets all food safety requirements
• Fish is of high quality, presents undamaged and is without muddy taint
• Energy use is minimised to achieve the best possible eco-efficiency
• Minimal sediment loss
• Waste is minimised
• Off farm noise and odour impacts on neighbours and any surrounding natural environment is minimised
• Protected natural vegetation on farm and natural vegetation off farm is not disturbed, weeds on farm are controlled and impacts on wildlife minimised.
• Ponds are managed to maximise production, achieve the best post eco-efficiency and minimise contaminants discharged
• Farms manage fish stocks to maintain fish health, reduce disease risk and minimise escapes
• Farms consider the sustainability aspects of feed use, minimising harm to the fish throughout their lifecycle. This includes appropriate fish handling practices, policies and procedures to minimise stress and maximise fish welfare