Yvon Chouinard (Founder & Owner, Patagonia, Inc.)
I’ve personally witnessed the damage to our oceans that open net salmon farms have caused in the U.S., Canada, Chile and Norway. They are also producing a toxic product that should never be eaten by humans or even our pets. We already know that there are better ways to farm, but will we have the imagination and courage to do the right thing for our home planet?
The evidence of open net pen aquaculture’s impact on the environment is undeniable. From inhumane over-crowded pens riddled with disease and sea lice, to mountains of waste and suffocation of the sea floor, the industry is driven by profit with little to no accountability. NASF works with its partners across the North Atlantic and beyond, to shed light on the consequences of cheap salmon on marine life and its habitat.
NASF’s work in Iceland is a particular focus. There, industry is just gaining a foothold and the threats of exploitation of the country’s pristine fjords by overseas corporations are real and growing. By educating consumers and policy makers, we hope to stem plans for expansion and promote cleaner, more sustainable alternatives. Learn more about these efforts, here.