It has been three long years the National Organic Standards Board has generated its share of controversy. The bones of contention have revolved around two main issues: fish feed and net pens. According to the board farming fish is not just a matter of building a barn or fencing in some pasture. The board also said that it is difficult to get these fed fish and how can the USDA certify these small fry in order to guarantee Certified Organic salmon.
It is told that presently the agency is without an answer, so the NOSB has proposed using wild-caught feed fish as meal, provided they come from areas where the population is monitored by industry and environmental groups for density, health and availability. The board informed that these so-called “sustainable fisheries” are a good place to start, but it’s a short-term solution, since technically, wild-caught fish is ineligible for organic certification.
It is true that the NOSB proposal specifies steps aquaculture companies must take before they are allowed to seek certification, including site approval, a nutrient management plan and a blueprint to eliminate waste contamination. It is noticed that the organic certification controls it place on land might be more measurable and manageable, but they, too, are not foolproof.
