The Future is Blue: Meet Atlantic Sapphire

Done well, seafood farming can help to responsibly feed a growing world while protecting wild fish populations and reducing pressure on the environmental. The potential for sustainable foodways runs deep alongside the rich history of farming methods worldwide. When reflecting on the history of seafood production, it’s just as important to look ahead at what is possible. So, what does the future hold?  
 
Just like land-based agricultural farming, seafood farming is ever-evolving and can come in many forms – one of today’s most interesting and innovative being Recirculating Aquaculture Systems (RAS). Dive into the world of responsible RAS farming with ASC and Atlantic Sapphire, a certified farm that is bringing it all to the forefront right here in the U.S. 

Setting the Scene: RAS Farming 

Just like many food production systems, there is constant innovation in the seafood industry, especially when it comes to responsible seafood farming. One of these shifts is the introduction of closed, land-based systems. These closed systems, aptly named Recirculating Aquaculture Systems (RAS), use techniques like water filtration and recirculation to simulate a fish’s natural habitat.  

So, is this a better way to farm fish? At ASC we don’t usually make sweeping generalizations, as there is a diverse range of farming techniques, many of which are well suited to different species, environments and geographies. Closed, semi-closed, and net pen systems are simply different ways of producing farmed seafood and each have certain impacts that need to be managed carefully and responsibly – which is where ASC comes in.  

 
The number of RAS operations has significantly increased in recent years, pushing ASC to adapt its certification standards to include more in-depth requirements for these highly technical and advanced farming systems. As a result, ASC has developed a new RAS Module that focuses on key areas of impact around water use, water quality, water and waste disposal, energy consumption and emissions. To earn ASC certification, RAS farms must meet the strict requirements of the existing ASC Standard as well as those of the RAS module, including a commitment to conduct a new biodiversity impact assessment. 

Among flurries of discussions in the seafood space about the benefits and potential impacts of RAS, it’s important to understand why it exists and how ASC’s strict certification standards can help. One advantage is that RAS farms eliminate the risk of fish escaping or farms impacting wild fish habitats by replicating the fish’s natural environment on land, with no harm to the ocean. Domestic RAS farms can also make seafood more accessible, as locally available seafood means less fish is transported overseas (currently over 80% of all seafood in the U.S. is imported).  
 
On the other hand, there are certain areas in RAS that require more attention. It’s vital for all ASC certified RAS farms to report and mitigate emissions and energy use. It’s worth noting that even if farmed on land, seafood still has a low carbon footprint compared to most other animal protein. ASC and our certified partners are always looking ahead toward what the future of sustainable seafood looks like, and ASC’s first U.S. certified salmon farm in Florida is helping to blaze that trail.

Feeding the Future with Atlantic Sapphire 

In order to feed the future, you need a seafood farm for the future – a certified responsible one that is. ASC requires that farms follow clear guidelines to obtain certification, especially when it comes to the growing wave of RAS farming. One prominent RAS farm that recently achieved ASC certification is Atlantic Sapphire, which is based in Homestead, Florida and is also the first ASC certified salmon farm in the United States.  

Atlantic Sapphire CEO Pedro Courard says that “by achieving ASC certification, we strengthen our belief that innovative and sustainable aquaculture practices can play a critical role in safeguarding the environment while supporting the growing global population. Together, we are shaping a meaningful and sustainable future for food.”

It took a considerable amount of time and effort for the founders of Atlantic Sapphire to land on Homestead for their farm. The Homestead site is in an ideal location to source clean, pure water from the saline Floridian aquifer, ensuring that the fish are raised in an environment that minimizes external risks and maximizes their health and well-being. “Atlantic Sapphire is not just addressing today’s challenges—it’s setting the standard for the future of food production and America’s Blue Economy,” says Courard.

As the largest RAS salmon producer globally, Atlantic Sapphire is pushing the limits of technology and sustainability, redefining what is possible in food production. By producing salmon within the U.S. – one of the largest seafood consumers and importers in the world – Atlantic Sapphire is able to eliminate the emissions that come with importing food, address food security at a local level, and “deliver ultra-fresh salmon directly to retailers, distributors and chefs across North America,” says Atlantic Sapphire’s Chief Sales and Marketing Officer Damien Claire.  

On top of that, Atlantic Sapphire can already attribute 28% of its energy consumption from renewable solar energy as part of Florida Power and Light’s SolarTogether program. The company is looking to increase this number even further. 

So how does this RAS farm operate? The answer: Bluehouse technology. “Like a greenhouse for fish,” this state-of-the-art facility is designed to responsibly farm salmon in optimal, controlled conditions that make the fish feel right at home. “Bluehouses are better for fish, for people, and for the planet we all share,” says Claire. Anyone curious as to how this operation looks and works can view diagrams and a short video on their website. 

This method of raising salmon on land eliminates the risk of parasites and wild fish disease, the escape of farmed salmon into the ocean, and potential impacts to coastal ecosystems. It also means there are no microplastics or mercury in the water source and no need for the use of antibiotics or pesticides at any point during the salmons’ life cycle. 

Beyond environmental sustainability, Atlantic Sapphire is committed to creating long-term economic and social value for Florida communities. The company fosters green jobs, invests in workforce training and supports the growth of a resilient sustainable domestic seafood farming industry. This allows the community an up-close look at the benefits of farm raised fish and an opening into the wide world of aquaculture, which employs over 28 million people around the globe. 

From the Sunshine State to Your Plate

Atlantic Sapphire salmon is now available to shoppers nationwide as Bluehouse Salmon – directly from their state-of-the-art Bluehouse in Florida. The company’s commitment to sustainability is apparent in the name itself. According to Claire, Bluehouse Salmon is a “premium, environmentally conscious brand committed to providing seafood that benefits both consumers and the planet.”  
 
Look for Bluehouse Salmon at your favorite local spots like Sprouts and Publix. Visit www.bluehousesalmon.com/where-to-buy/ to find more stores near you. 
 
As always, check out ASC’s recipe page for new and exciting salmon recipes! Be sure to look for ASC’s sea green label when shopping for salmon to know your seafood was raised with care.