Rainbow trout

Rainbow trout is farmed in Northern Europe in cages, ponds, flow-through systems and RAS systems using hatchery-produced juveniles. Farming depends on feed containing a relatively high proportion of fishmeal and fish oil. The origin of the raw materials is generally well traceable. In Norway, no genetically modified ingredients are used. In Sweden, their use is not always clear to consumers. RAS systems require more energy but have the lowest environmental impact.

Open farming systems can result in moderate to high nutrient loads in surface waters. Escapes and the spread of diseases remain concerns, particularly in cage farming. Measures have been introduced in Norway and Sweden to reduce escapes and predation. Antibiotics and other chemical treatments may be used, but major disease outbreaks are uncommon. RAS systems limit waste emissions, prevent escapes and reduce the risk of disease transmission. However, CO₂ emissions from RAS are higher because of their energy consumption.

Management is largely effective in Northern Europe. There is no AIP for this aquaculture. In Norway, many farms are certified according to ASC, BAP and GlobalG.A.P. In Sweden, Switzerland and Finland, few or no farms are ASC-certified. Denmark has a strict regulatory framework for aquaculture, and RAS systems are among the most sustainable production methods there.

Rainbow trout is farmed in Scotland, the United Kingdom, Poland, and Northern and Western Europe in ponds, flow-through systems and cages using hatchery-produced juveniles. Farming requires relatively little energy. The feed contains a relatively high proportion of fishmeal and fish oil, although their use has declined in recent years. The origin of raw materials is generally well traceable, but the use of genetically modified ingredients is not always clear to consumers.

Farming can result in a moderate impact on surface water quality. In cage farming in Scotland, this impact is greater than in ponds and flow-through systems. Escapes and the spread of diseases to wild fish remain concerns. Antibiotics and other chemical treatments may be used, but the environmental risk is generally considered low to moderate. CO₂ emissions are low.

Management is largely effective. There is no AIP for this aquaculture. In Northwestern Europe, many farms are ASC-certified, organic-certified or GlobalG.A.P.-certified. In Scotland, GlobalG.A.P. certification is available, but ASC certification is uncommon. In Poland, approximately 20% of production is certified, mainly organic or according to GlobalG.A.P.

(Rainbow) trout is farmed in South America and Turkey in ponds and flow-through systems using hatchery-produced juveniles. Relatively little energy is required. The species depends on feed containing a relatively high proportion of fishmeal and fish oil. In Turkey, the origin of raw materials is generally more traceable than in South America.

Farming can result in a moderate impact on surface water quality. In Turkey, this impact can be greater at a local level. Escapes are possible, and antibiotics may be used. Diseases occur, but major outbreaks are rare. The consequences for wild populations are not well understood. CO₂ emissions are low to moderate.

Management is partly effective in Turkey and limited in effectiveness in South America. There is no AIP for this aquaculture. In Turkey, many farms are ASC– and GlobalG.A.P.-certified. In South America, only a small number of farms hold ASC, BAP or GlobalG.A.P. certification.