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Data for Progress: Global Salmon Initiative's Collaborative Approach

Knowledge-driven solutions for improved sustainability

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THE AMBITION

Improve data and knowledge-sharing systems in the aquaculture sector which informs policies and builds investor confidence

STATS

Data from 2013 to 2023

10 years of transparent, aligned sustainability reporting

55% of GSI members’ production is Aquaculture Stewardship Council certified

GSI connects 24,000 individuals across 7 regions

67% decrease in the use of antibiotics

56% decrease in sea lice treatments

20% decrease in marine ingredient use

Background

Established in 2013, Global Salmon Initiative (GSI) is a collaborative effort convened by global farmed salmon CEOs to advance responsible salmon farming. Uniting 15 salmon farming companies, constituting over 40% of the industry, GSI works to minimize environmental impact and overcome risks related to fish health and welfare, climate, and biodiversity loss through shared data and knowledge. GSI members’ farmed salmon, an eco-efficient and nutritious protein source, plays an essential role in healthy and sustainable food systems. 

Uniting 15 salmon farming companies, constituting over 40% of the industry, GSI works to minimize environmental impact and overcome risks related to fish health and welfare, climate, and biodiversity loss through shared data and knowledge

Collaboration Drives Aquaculture Resilience

GSI’s approach focuses on industry-wide collaboration to accelerate environmental and social change. Collaboration over competition is crucial to build knowledge, enhance capacity, and drive impactful changes at the speed and scale needed. GSI establishes an enabling environment by bringing together company experts to share best practices, align reporting mechanisms, and promote greater transparency. This collective approach flourishes due to active CEO engagement.

Sustainability Backed by Data

Since 2020, GSI has worked with the World Wildlife Fund (WWF) on a climate action project born out of the realization that setting targets alone isn’t enough. GSI members standardize their carbon footprint assessment using a common methodology. This harmonized approach addresses data interpretation challenges and facilitates companies sharing expertise on effective mitigation efforts. WWF seeks to extend standardization efforts to the broader food sector, demonstrating the positive results of collective action. The goal is to streamline processes, align data methodologies, enhance transparent reporting, and accelerate cross-sector improvement. The project will launch in 2024.

Another cornerstone of GSI’s strategy is the Sustainability Report. Sharing 10+ years of data in one digital dashboard, the report includes 15 key environmental and social sustainability indicators aligned to the ASC Salmon Standard and documents member performance over time. The report, a trailblazer in the food sector, remains one of the largest publicly available industry databases. This commitment to transparency provides stakeholders and the public with insights into the industry’s sustainability efforts and fosters accountability and informed decision-making. The tangible benefits of this data-driven approach include significant reductions in antibiotic use and sea lice treatments.

From Challenges to Growth

In its efforts towards collaborative sustainability, GSI encountered obstacles. First, bringing competitors together took time to build trust and design a focused work plan on environmental projects where collective action could drive measurable change. In addition, initiatives like the climate action project required internal alignment on data collection, which was complex but possible through WWF’s support and companies’ commitment to the long-term vision. Finally, through GSI, the member companies hope that reporting alignment can help mitigate data fatigue and streamline processes to meet increasing stakeholder data requests.

GSI also collaborates with the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation to transfer learnings on collective efforts that improve aquaculture sustainability to other sectors, contributing to broader food security and climate goals. Looking ahead, GSI members remain committed to fostering transparency and shared environmental stewardship in and beyond the aquaculture sector, farming salmon that’s raised to be better for people and the planet.

Learn more at Global Salmon Initiative