Cermaq: first salmon producer to receive Certified Humane Certification

Cermaq, one of the global leaders in Atlantic salmon production, has reached a significant milestone by becoming the first salmon producer to receive Certified Humane® certification. This achievement reinforces the company’s commitment to animal welfare, and places Chile at the forefront of the global salmon industry.

For Certified Humane®, this achievement represents a monumental step in the expansion of its operations. “For us, it’s extremely important, as it marks Humane Farm Animal Care’s entry into aquatic animal certification. It’s an incredible expansion of our reach, which now extends to more than 20 countries and covers several species. Atlantic salmon is just the beginning, we are already developing standards for tilapia, targeting markets such as Brazil and some Asian countries,” says Luiz Mazzon, the organization’s director for Latin America and Asia.

For three decades, Cermaq Chile has stood out as a proven leader in aquaculture, both nationally and internationally. The company’s trajectory began in 1985 with the start-up of Mainstream’s salmon subsidiary. Since then, Cermaq has grown and changed, acquiring other companies along the way. 

In 2013, it adopted the Cermaq name across all its global operations, including Chile, Norway and Canada, as part of a brand positioning strategy. In 2014, Mitsubishi Corporation acquired Cermaq, opening doors to important Asian markets. Years later, Mitsubishi consolidated its operations in Chile, merging Cermaq Chile with Salmones Humboldt. Today, Cermaq Chile is the Cermaq group’s largest operation, with a workforce that, in its peak season, reaches 2,800 employees.

Rigor at every stage of production

The Certified Humane® certification is recognized globally for its rigorous requirements, which cover all stages of production. From access to a high-quality, nutritious diet to creating an environment that minimizes physical and physiological discomfort, certified producers like Cermaq must comply with all the guidelines established to guarantee the highest standard of animal welfare.

These guidelines include detailed practices that ensure salmon live in conditions that respect their natural needs. This involves everything from water quality and the space available for the fish to management methods that reduce stress and promote the animals’ health and growth.

As well as enhancing producers’ reputations and differentiating their products on the global market, Certified Humane® certification offers significant advantages for both the salmon industry and consumers. It promotes responsible farming practices, contributing to environmental sustainability and protecting marine biodiversity.

The Certified Humane® Atlantic Salmon standard is a reflection of this deep commitment to animal welfare and sustainability. Certification represents a step towards a more sustainable future for aquaculture and the planet as a whole.

Availability of the standard 

For those interested in understanding the certification criteria in more detail, the Certified Humane® standard for Atlantic Salmon is available to download in Spanish. This document offers a complete overview of the recommended and mandatory practices to ensure that all aspects of animal welfare are strictly observed.

With this certification, Cermaq leads by example, promoting aquaculture practices that are responsible, sustainable and forward-looking. 

Published on September 10, 2024