Ireland: Salmon, sustainability and certification

Naturland certified salmon farms are situated along Ireland’s rugged western coastline. Salmon, being an anadromous species, begin their lives in freshwater. The journey starts in hatcheries, where juveniles emerge early in the year. After about eight months, once they reach the smolt stage, the young salmon are transferred to open-sea cages. Here, in the sheltered bays of the Atlantic, they grow for approximately 19 months until they reach an average harvest weight of around 5 kilograms. These carefully chosen locations offer natural protection from major storms, while steady ocean currents provide a constant supply of clean, oxygen-rich water - ideal conditions for salmon.

Nutrition plays a central role in ensuring the health and steady growth of salmon. As a carnivorous species, salmon require a protein-rich diet, which traditionally relies on marine ingredients. However, to protect wild fish populations, Naturland standards specify that fishmeal and fish oil must come mainly from trimmings and bycatch - the by-products of fisheries and fish processing - rather than from whole fish. This approach helps ease the pressure on wild fish stocks.

The feed is further balanced with organic plant-based ingredients, along with a natural source of astaxanthin, the pigment that gives salmon its distinctive orange color. Together, these components create a diet that is both nutritionally complete and environmentally responsible.

Animal welfare is a cornerstone of Naturland-certified salmon farming. The standard sets strict requirements that go far beyond adequate nutrition, covering every aspect of the production cycle - from handling and transport to slaughter and stocking density. By keeping fish at low densities, farms provide more space for natural movement, reduce stress and lower the risk of disease. As part of our precautionary approach, regular health checks further ensure that any abnormalities are detected early and addressed promptly.

Equally important is water quality, which is continuously monitored to guarantee that conditions remain optimal for the well-being of the fish.

Sea lice are naturally occurring parasites found on both wild and farmed salmon. If their numbers grow unchecked, they can threaten the welfare of farmed fish. To prevent this, Naturland standards require regular monitoring and set strict limits to keep infestations under control. Instead of relying on conventional chemical treatments, the focus is on natural solutions such as freshwater baths and the use of cleaner fish. Species like lumpfish are introduced into salmon pens, where their instinctive behavior is to feed on sea lice - a practice that has proven highly effective in keeping populations low.

The standards also safeguard the welfare of the cleaner fish themselves, providing them with hiding places such as barrels and artificial kelp, as well as specially tailored feed.

Sustainable salmon farming depends on working in harmony with nature and preserving the integrity of local ecosystems. Naturland certified farms follow strict standards to keep their environmental footprint as low as possible. Low stocking densities and limited treatments reduce pressure on the surrounding waters, while underwater cameras closely monitor feeding to prevent waste and avoid unnecessary nutrient enrichment.

To ensure long-term protection of the seabed, benthic monitoring is carried out annually. Divers collect samples beneath the cages and from reference points nearby, ensuring that farming practices do not have harmful effects on the marine environment.

Salmon farming is an important driver of the local economy, providing a wide range of jobs in rural coastal communities. The dedication of the staff is essential, especially those working directly on the net cages in often harsh weather conditions. Regular training of staff ensures compliance with the Naturland standard. Their daily commitment ensures the welfare of the fish and the smooth running of the farms.

The Naturland social standards guarantee fair working conditions and social responsibility, ensuring that people are valued just as highly as the product they help to create.