Global Consumer Watchdog gives Mount Cook Alpine Salmon Highest Rating
Mt Cook Alpine Salmon Ltd has been recognised as one of the most sustainable salmon farming operations worldwide by a
globally-renowned consumer watchdog.
The Queenstown-based company said it was delighted to earn a Best Choice (Green) rating from the widely-acclaimed
Seafood Watch organisation.
Company chairman and former New Zealand Prime Minister Jim Bolger said the accolade was a huge endorsement for
aquaculture in New Zealand.
“In keeping with Mt Cook Alpine Salmon’s previous sustainability credentials, this demonstrates we’re the best of the
best,” he said.
“We’re the primary fresh water King Salmon producer in the world and most of our production is sold into overseas
markets, including the prestigious Whole Foods outlets in the United States.
“As a measure of the growing sensitivity to aquaculture practices, every year Whole Foods sends independent auditors to
our fresh water farms to monitor our standard operating procedures. Mt Cook Alpine Salmon continues to be the only King
Salmon producer that supplies Whole Foods.”
“New Zealand’s salmon farming industry leads the way with best practice, pristine ecosystems and our clean, green,
sustainable approach, and Mt Cook Alpine Salmon is at the forefront of that drive.
Seafood Watch, operated by the US-based Monterey Bay Aquarium, is a not-for-profit organisation that assesses and ranks
sustainable fisheries around the world. The organisation makes its science-based recommendations available to the public
in the form of regional pocket guides and a downloadable app.
Mt Cook Alpine Salmon’s Technical Director Professor Terry Bradley, who has been involved with the operation for nearly
20 years is “thrilled” to receive the accolade.
“We were the first salmon producer in Australasia to earn Best Aquaculture Practice certification from the Global
Aquaculture Alliance, and to be recognised with GREEN status from Seafood Watch is solid testament to the commitment we
have to high-end sustainable values,” he said.
ENDS