Six kilometres off the West Coast of Ireland in the pristine, raging waters of the Atlantic Ocean lies Clare Island Sea farm. The farm derives its name from the small island that offers minimal shelter from the elements. The location of this marine site is recognized as the most exposed in Western Europe. The large robust Bridgestone cages at the site are currently home to their seventh generation of organically farmed salmon.

What makes the organic salmon farmed at Clare Island Sea farm different from other farmed salmon?

o The salmon are farmed in accordance with organic farming standards established by Naturland Verband (Germany), The Irish Organic Farmers and Growers Association (IOFGA), Bio Suisse(Switzerland), Qualité France and Agriculture Biologique (France).

o The Farm and all its related sites are audited on an annual basis by the certifying authorities.

o The high tidal exchange rates (minimum exchange rates are defined in the organic standards) which characterize the area in which the farm is situated ensures that new water continually flushes through the cages and prevents the accumulation of parasites and pollutants.

o Stocking densities are set at a maximum of ten kilos per cubic metre of water. This effectively means that every two fish share one cubic metre of water.

o The fish are fed on an organic diet, which contains organic or natural ingredients only and is free from genetically modified organisms. The fish are fed by hand by local fishermen, who observe the fish and their environment on a daily basis.

o The fishmeal in the diet is derived from the by products (offal/filet trimmings) of pelagic fish caught for human consumption.

o The pigment used in the feed is a yeast-based pigment called phaffia. It is a natural source of astaxanthin.

o The farming procedures adopted by the farm are altogether more environmentally friendly. Examples of this include power washing of cage nets by seawater jet spray and the use of herbal remedies to combat the occurrence of sea lice.