Kamaishi (Japan) - Thursday 13 June 2024
Japanese farm Izumisawa Suisan has become the first commercial farm to obtain Aquaculture Stewardship Council (ASC)
certification for its cherry salmon production. The farm, which also produces coho salmon, is based in Kamaishi City in
Iwate Prefecture along the Kamaishi Bay.
Cherry salmon, named for its pink cherry-coloured scales, boasts a refined, light flesh colour and delicate fat. Its
name is derived from the fact that it is often harvested during the enchanting "sakura" or cherry blossom season in
Japan.Cherry salmon with ASC label
Izumisawa Suisan's President Hiroshi Izumisawa said, "We are very honoured to have our achievements in environmentally
friendly aquaculture recognised. This certification is trusted internationally, and we would like to utilise it in our
future sales strategy."
Izumisawa also aims to work towards exports to European countries with the acquisition of ASC certification.
ASC General Manager in Japan, Koji Yamamoto said, “We are delighted to recognise Izumisawa Suisan’s contribution to
responsible commercial farming of cherry salmon. Through this certification, we are able to increase environmental
responsibility and social awareness in the farming of cherry salmon and at the same time create an opportunity to
promote this rare Japanese delicacy locally and globally.”
The company collaborated with the city and Iwate University to begin cherry salmon farming trials in November 2020. It
then moved on to trial farming of coho salmon then launched a full-scale business last year.
Izumisawa Suisan is currently using four 40-metre-diameter circular fish cages and aims to ship 1,000 tonnes of cherry
salmon and coho salmon yearly.
The certification ceremony was attended by about 30 participants, including representatives of ASC Japan, the Conformity
Assessment Body (CAB) Amita, Iwate Prefecture and Kamaishi City, local processing manufacturers, and Iwate University.
Guests sampled the cherry salmon and coho salmon sashimi and grilled dishes and evaluated their quality.President Hiroshi Izumisawa with Amita at the presentation ceremony
Izumisawa said, "Obtaining certification has been our goal since we started our aquaculture business. Through this
certification, we hope to expand our sales channels, ensure a stable supply of raw materials, and work to improve the
income and social status of our fishermen."
The ASC certification of Izumisawa Suisan signifies an important contribution towards responsible aquaculture and the
sustainable development of the local fishing industry.