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Sustainability

Castell Salmon is strongly committed to sustainability, and our advanced farming system has numerous advantages over traditional flow-through and offshore farming systems

Environmental, Social and Governance Benefits of Castell Salmon

Our Certification Goals & Targets

We aim to meet the rigorous standards required for ASC certification and the Allgäuer Seal. These are marks of environmental responsibility and regional authenticity that we aspire to achieve as we develop our operations.

Our ESG Goals & Targets

At Castell Salmon, we are deeply committed to Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) principles that guide our operations and strategic planning. Our comprehensive approach is articulated through three focused pillars: ‘Environment and Climate Impact’, ‘Ocean Ecosystem and Fish Welfare’, and ‘People and Local Communities’. Each pillar represents a cornerstone of our dedication to sustainability, ethical practices, and community engagement. Below, you will find detailed descriptions of our goals and the proactive measures we have implemented to achieve them, demonstrating our ongoing commitment to not only meet but exceed global sustainability standards.

Feed

Our sustainable, German-produced feed achieves a lower feed conversion ratio than industry standards, enhancing efficiency and reducing our ecological footprint.

Fish welfare


We prioritize fish welfare by providing a safe, species-appropriate environment with strict stock density levels, ensuring our fish are healthy and stress-free.

Suppliers, local and other


Our procurement strategy prioritizes collaboration with local suppliers, boosting the socio-economic impact on local communities by creating jobs and fostering prosperity.

Energy


At our Griestal facility, we will exclusively use renewable energy sources, significantly minimising our environmental impact.

Biodiversity

Designed by our partner Veolia to meet rigorous industry standards, our facility prevents fish escapes, protecting local wildlife and maintaining natural biodiversity.

Local community 


We plan to donate a spring water well to the town of Markt Rettenbach, ensuring their access to drinking water now and in the future.

Fresh Water


We utilize our own high-quality spring water and recycle 94% of it. This innovative system cuts our water usage by 60% compared to traditional farming methods.

NO ANTIBIOTICS

Our closed system, fortified with stringent biosecurity measures, ensures the health of our fish without the use of antibiotics, offering an enhanced level of protection and health assurance.

Learning and development


In partnership with Veolia and local authorities, we will establish a training centre to educate and prepare a new generation of fish farmers, enhancing local expertise and employment opportunities.

Transportation 


We are committed to a zero-emission value chain, collaborating with suppliers to implement zero-emission transportation alternatives for feed, eggs, and other essential materials.

Sustainable & Feed Resources


We are committed to responsible sourcing, utilizing feed from sustainable origins that minimizes wild fish use and maximizes plant-based and alternative proteins.

Transparency and food safety


We ensure transparency and uphold food safety throughout our entire value chain, from egg to plate, guaranteeing the highest standards for our consumers.

Circular economy


We champion a circular economy by filtering and reusing a substantial percentage of water within our operations.

Advanced Monitoring Systems:


Our state-of-the-art monitoring systems track water quality, fish health, and environmental conditions, ensuring optimal operation and fish welfare.

Employees and board of directors


Our focus on employee safety and reducing the carbon footprint includes promoting green commuting options and energy conservation efforts among our staff and leadership.

CO2 reduction and accounting


Our facility significantly reduces CO2 emissions compared to traditional offshore fish farming systems, supporting our commitment to a healthier planet.

TRANSPARENCY AND TRACEABILITY

Our operations are transparent and traceable. We document each production phase meticulously, allowing us to provide consumers with detailed information about our fish’s origin and life cycle. This reinforces our commitment to ethical practices.

Compliance

We demand the highest standards from ourselves and our suppliers, and we will maintain all relevant certifications to meet market requirements.

Environment and climate impact

Feed

Achieve a consistent feed conversion ratio that is significantly lower compared to current industry standards.

Energy


At our Griestal facility, we will exclusively use renewable energy sources, significantly minimising our environmental impact.

Fresh Water


Direct access to a natural water spring close to Griestal and recycling of 94% of all freshwater.

Transportation 


Castell Salmon aims for a zero-emission value chain. In collaboration with its suppliers of feed, eggs, and essential materials, they pursue zero-emission transportation alternatives.

Circular economy


A large percentage of water will be filtered and reused within the facility.

CO2 reduction and accounting


Our facility significantly reduces CO2 emissions compared to traditional offshore fish farming systems, supporting our commitment to a healthier planet.

Ocean ecosystem and fish welfare

Fish welfare


Castell Salmon prioritizes fish welfare by maintaining a safe and species-appropriate environment.

Biodiversity

The RAS facility from Veolia is designed according to high industry standards ensuring that no fish will be able to escape and pose a risk to wildlife and local habitats.

Vaccination and no antibiotics


Every fish is vaccinated for enhanced protection and health assurance.

Sustainable & Feed Resources


Castell Salmon is committed to sourcing feed from, responsible and sustainable origins, minimizing the use of wild fish and focusing on plant-based and alternative proteins.

Advanced Monitoring Systems:


Our state-of-the-art monitoring systems track water quality, fish health, and environmental conditions, ensuring optimal operation and fish welfare.

TRANSPARENCY AND TRACEABILITY

Our operations are transparent and traceable. We document each production phase meticulously, allowing us to provide consumers with detailed information about our fish’s origin and life cycle. This reinforces our commitment to ethical practices.

People and local communities

Suppliers, local and other


Procurement strategy to prioritize collaboration with local suppliers supporting social economic impact on local communities, creating jobs and prosperity to local communities.

Local community 


Castell Salmon will donate one of its spring water wells to the local town of Markt Rettenbach. This will supply them with their current and future drinking water requirements.

Learning and development


Once the facility is operational, Castell Salmon will create a training center together with the Bavarian Fisheries (state institute) and Veolia, to train the new wave of fish farmers.

Transparency and food safety


Castell Salmon provides transparency along food safety in the entire value chain, from the egg to the finished product.

Employees and board of directors


Castell Salmon will focus on employee safety and a reduction in employee carbon footprint through green commuting and energy conservation.

Compliance

We demand the highest standards from ourselves and our suppliers, and we will maintain all relevant certifications to meet market requirements.

Our Vision for a Sustainable Future

Land-Based Salmon Farming: Innovation Meets Ecology

At Castell Salmon, we're dedicated to revolutionizing the aquaculture industry by integrating cutting-edge technology with ecological best practices. Our land-based farming system is more than just an alternative to traditional methods — it's a leap forward in sustainable food production. With an eye on global food security, we are committed to controlled local production that significantly reduces the environmental footprint of salmon farming.

Advantages of Land-Based Farming

Land-based salmon farming represents a groundbreaking shift towards more sustainable aquaculture practices. Unlike traditional open-water methods, which can negatively impact marine ecosystems through habitat damage, fish escapes, disease transmission, and depletion of wild fish populations, our closed-containment systems on land offer significant environmental and operational benefits.

Preserving Ocean Ecosystems

Our farming methods protect ocean life by maintaining biodiversity and minimizing habitat disruption, ensuring we do not alter the delicate ecological balance.

Disease Prevention

We significantly reduce the risk of disease transmission common in open-water farms by maintaining controlled conditions within our land-based systems.

Microplastic-Free Environment

Our salmon thrive in environments free from microplastic contamination, providing you with healthier and safer seafood.

Direct Market Access

Our proximity to markets ensures that fresher produce reaches you faster, enhancing quality and reducing transit times.

Carbon Footprint Reduction

By optimizing our farming systems, we dramatically lower the carbon footprint of our salmon compared to traditional aquaculture methods.

Animal Welfare

We uphold the highest standards of animal welfare, with rigorous oversight to ensure our salmon lead healthy, stress-free lives.

Antibiotics and Pesticides

Our sustainable farming practices eliminate the need for antibiotics and pesticides, promoting natural growth and healthier fish.

Resource Efficiency

Our advanced systems enhance the efficiency of water and feed use, significantly reducing waste and increasing overall sustainability.

Climate Resilience

Land-based systems are less susceptible to climate-related disruptions seen in ocean farming, ensuring stable production year-round.

Energy Efficiency

Our facilities are designed to minimize energy use, incorporating renewable energy sources where possible to power our operations sustainably.

Local Economic Benefits

Land-based farming contributes to local economies by providing jobs and supporting local businesses, fostering economic growth within our community.

Educational and Research Opportunities

We partner with academic institutions and research organizations to advance aquaculture technology and knowledge, sharing insights and innovations with the broader industry.

Enhanced Consumer Trust

We ensure product consistency and quality through controlled operations, building superior consumer trust with transparent practices.

Reduced Water Usage

Our recirculating systems significantly lower water usage, conserving this vital resource and reducing environmental strain.

Advantages of Land-Based Farming

Our mission transcends profit. At Castell Salmon, we are deeply committed to advancing the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), aiming to catalyse global change through sustainable aquaculture.

Aligned with the United Nations SDGs, Castell Salmon’s practices reflect our dedication to environmental stewardship and driving socioeconomic progress worldwide. Below, we detail the specific goals we actively support, demonstrating our role in this global endeavour.

Zero Hunger

Our efficient production contributes to a more secure food supply, aiming to eradicate hunger.

Good Health and Well-being

Clean, healthy food and reduced disease risk contribute to better human health outcomes.

Clean Water and Sanitation

We use and recycle water responsibly, ensuring the conservation of this precious resource.

Decent Work and Economic Growth

Our innovative farming approach generates jobs and supports local economies.

Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure

We invest in infrastructure that leads the way in sustainable aquaculture technologies.

Responsible Consumption and Production

Our operations are designed around the principles of sustainability, efficiency, and waste reduction.

Climate Action

By reducing greenhouse gas emissions, we're actively combating climate change.

Life Below Water

Our land-based farms alleviate pressure on marine ecosystems, promoting healthier oceans.

Life on Land

We support biodiversity and ecosystem health, both on land and at sea.