With increasing scrutiny on the Tasmanian salmon industry, ethical food supplier Box Divvy has announced a shift away from Tasmanian farmed salmon, citing concerns over sustainability, environmental impact, and corporate transparency. Instead, the company will now source New Zealand King Salmon, a supplier rated more sustainable by the globally respected Seafood Watch program.
The move follows mounting criticism of Tasmania's farmed salmon sector, which has been linked to habitat degradation, antibiotic use, and fish escapes, raising concerns over its long-term viability. Tasmanian fish pens regularly experience mass mortality events due to overpopulation and environmental stress. The latest saw thousands of fish perish, intensifying scrutiny on sustainability. A recent report detailed the 'salmon war' in Australia, where fish deaths, a $37 million federal intervention, and concerns over an endangered species have heightened tensions[i]. The industry, largely controlled by foreign-owned corporations, has also faced backlash over transparency and regulatory oversight.
Box Divvy's Commitment to Better Choices
"There's no perfect answer when it comes to farmed seafood," said Anton van den Berg, co-founder of Box Divvy. "But as a company, we are always striving to move in the right direction. New Zealand King Salmon farms operate under stricter environmental controls and avoid many of the pitfalls we've seen in Tasmania's industry. This transition is part of our ongoing mission to provide more sustainable and ethical food choices."
New Zealand King Salmon has been rated a "Best Choice" for freshwater farming by the Monterey Bay Aquarium's Seafood Watch program, though some concerns remain over marine farm operations. The farms are located in hydroelectric canals fed by glacial waters, significantly reducing environmental impact compared to open-pen marine farming in Tasmania. Additionally, no antibiotics, GMOs, or growth hormones are used in New Zealand King Salmon production.
New Zealand King Salmon is also favoured by top-tier chefs, who appreciate its high-fat content of up to 25%, compared to Atlantic salmon's typical 15-17%. The fish's rich, buttery texture and superior taste profile have led it to be referred to as the 'Wagyu of the Sea', making it the preferred choice in many high-end restaurants.
Salmon farming in Tasmania has long raised concerns due to its impact on native ecosystems and marine biodiversity. New Zealand's system, particularly its freshwater farming model, presents a more controlled and lower-impact alternative. While no method is perfect, this shift is a positive step toward reducing the overall footprint of farmed salmon.
Key Sustainability Considerations
- Environmental Impact: New Zealand's freshwater salmon farms have minimal habitat disruption compared to Tasmania's marine-based farms, which have been linked to declining water quality and habitat degradation.
- Corporate Transparency: The Australian farmed salmon industry is dominated by foreign-owned corporations, raising concerns over long-term sustainability commitments and accountability.
- Consumer Demand for Ethical Choices: Box Divvy's decision reflects the growing shift toward transparency in food sourcing, as consumers demand seafood with stronger sustainability credentials.
- Premium Quality and Culinary Appeal: With a higher fat content and superior texture, New Zealand King Salmon has become the preferred choice of leading chefs worldwide, further reinforcing its premium reputation.
Box Divvy continues to prioritise sustainability and ethical sourcing, ensuring its supply chain aligns with responsible food choices. With over 300 Hubs across NSW/ACT and more than $20 million in revenue in FY24, the company remains committed to monitoring sustainability developments and improving its sourcing practices while connecting local communities with farmers and food producers.
[i] https://www.smh.com.au/environment/sustainability/thousands-of-dead-fish-a-37m-federal-promise-and-an-animal-close-to-extinction-australia-s-salmon-war-gets-ugly-20250221-p5ldzp.html
Key Facts:
Key Sustainability Considerations
· Environmental Impact: New Zealand's freshwater salmon farms have minimal habitat disruption compared to Tasmania's marine-based farms, which have been linked to declining water quality and habitat degradation.
· Corporate Transparency: The Australian farmed salmon industry is dominated by foreign-owned corporations, raising concerns over long-term sustainability commitments and accountability.
· Consumer Demand for Ethical Choices: Box Divvy's decision reflects the growing shift toward transparency in food sourcing, as consumers demand seafood with stronger sustainability credentials.
· Premium Quality and Culinary Appeal: With a higher fat content and superior texture, New Zealand King Salmon has become the preferred choice of leading chefs worldwide, further reinforcing its premium reputation.
