July 30, 2024

 

Danish company Musholm becomes first aquaculture firm to pilot SBTN framework

Danish firm Musholm has become the first aquaculture company globally to test the Science Based Targets for Nature (SBTN) framework, WSP reported.

 

Selected by Science Based Target's Ocean Hub, Musholm will gather experience to help develop guidance for other companies aiming to set positive targets for their nature footprint.

 

Three other international companies in the seafood value chain have also been selected for the pilot: Carrefour, Mars Petcare, and Bolton Foods. Musholm is unique among these as the only company farming fish, making it the first aquaculture company to work with Science Based Targets for Nature.

 

Musholm farms trout, selling trout and trout roe in Denmark and to European and Southeast Asian markets. The trout hatch in freshwater and live in land-based fish farms for about two years before being released into Musholm's sea-based farms. This approach mirrors the natural life cycle of trout, starting in freshwater and moving to saltwater to grow.

 

Musholm has already certified 75% of its production according to the Aquaculture Stewardship Council (ASC) standard, ensuring socially and environmentally responsible farming.

 

"We deliver a high-quality product in high demand worldwide. The ASC standard was a natural step for us to document responsible production. The next step is Science Based Targets for Nature, where we are committed to developing a framework for our impact on nature," said Anders Lejbach, fish farm manager at Musholm.

 

Much of the work for ASC certification can support SBTN efforts, but additional aspects and data are needed. Part of the required data is already available due to Denmark's strict environmental regulations for fish farming companies.

 

"It is advantageous that a large amount of data is already available. As advisors, we are now mapping Musholm's natural footprint from their fish farming and purchasing activities. This provides a solid basis for setting nature-positive goals," said Maren Moltke Lyngsgaard, marine biologist and consultant at WSP.

 

SBTN opened applications for the pilot project in the seafood sector in February. Participants were selected based on readiness, sector representation, and geography. Feedback is being collected, and guides are being prepared for public comment. The overall launch of the pilot projects with guides is scheduled for spring 2025.

 

"We are proud to have been chosen for the pilot and look forward to the work ahead," said Anders Lejbach, fishing master at Musholm.

 

Science Based Targets for Nature allows companies and organisations to set targets and commit to initiatives benefiting nature, which are then approved and monitored by the organisation.

 

"We depend on balanced nature with robust ecosystems and high biodiversity to continue harvesting crucial ecosystem services such as food, CO2 capture, and oxygen. Science Based Targets for Nature will be an important tool for industry and business to start nature initiatives to secure our future," said Maren Moltke Lyngsgaard.

 

The original Science Based Targets Initiative aims to set targets and actions on climate and greenhouse gas emissions to stay within the Paris Agreement's 1.5 degrees Celsius temperature increase.

 

The partners behind Science Based Targets are CDP, United Nations Global Compact, We Mean Business Coalition, World Resources Institute (WRI), and World Wildlife Fund (WWF).

 

-      WSP