LCA of Norwegian salmon production 2012

Abstract

This report presents an LCA of salmon produced with the average Norwegian feed of 2010 and 2012. The assessment cover the salmon production system from fishing of marine and growing og vegetable feed ingredients, up to the stage where the salmon is ready for slaughter, the salmon farm gate. The methodology is explained and the data that was used documented. The results show that the carbon footprint of an average Norwegian salmon product increased from 2010 to 2012, despite an improvement in the economic feed conversion ratio for the same period. Climate impacts from land use change, associated with growing of soy, is identified as an especially important climate aspects for salmon aquaculture. A simplified screening also show that micro ingredients can be an important climate aspect. The water footprint of the salmon showed that, compared to published data from other meat products, salmon is also an efficient food product with regards to fresh water use.