Sustainability in Everything We Do
CSRD Reference
E2 - Pollution / E4 – Biodiversity and Ecosystems
SalMar is committed to minimizing pollution across all operations and supply chains to protect marine environments, freshwater resources, and surrounding ecosystems. The purpose of this policy is to ensure that all potential sources of pollution—including air, water, soil, chemicals, and waste—are managed responsibly and in compliance with regulatory requirements.
This policy applies to all SalMar’s business areas and operations, as well as suppliers whose activities may generate pollution. It covers sources of pollution to air, water, and soil. Pollution related to biodiversity impacts, such as water pollutants, is addressed in SalMar’s Biodiversity and Ecosystems Policy.
The Board of Directors holds ultimate responsibility for the pollution management strategy. Senior management integrates pollution risks into company-wide risk assessments and ensures implementation across all operations. Production teams manage day-to-day pollution controls. Feed and other suppliers are required to manage pollution responsibly, hereunder hold updated nutrient management plans, limit the use of pesticides and implement water stewardship programs in priority areas.
Pollution risks are monitored continuously through operational controls and supplier engagement. Any irregular pollution incidents are reported through SalMar’s quality system, investigated to identify root causes, and followed by corrective actions.
Pollution is not considered a material topic in relation to SalMar sustainability reporting and is therefore not presented as a separate section in the annual report. Progress on pollution-related initiatives is reported annually as part of SalMar’s sustainability disclosures.
SalMar’s strategic approach to pollution prevention focuses on reducing emissions to air from vessels and operations, as well as preventing water pollution through site selection, biosecurity plans, and phasing out copper-impregnated nets. Minimizing and substituting substances of concern, including phasing out substances of very high concern are another effort. SalMar also prioritizes preventing incidents and ensuring quick mitigation when they occur.
The following sections outline the Group’s most material impacts, risks and opportunities, along with strategic targets established.
Noise and vibration from operations | Organic and inorganic spill to sea | Use of substances of (very high) concern
Negative impacts from operations include emissions to air, noise and vibration from vessels and equipment, as well as potential organic and inorganic spills to the marine environment. SalMar uses several substances of concern, such as diesel, marine oils, antifouling paints and disinfectants, but the risk of environmental or health harm is considered low due to controlled handling and limited exposure. Substances of very high concern are used infrequently and primarily for maintenance of infrastructure. Although some of these substances have carcinogenic properties, the likelihood of adverse effects is low given the rare use and strict management procedures.
Topsoil protection in feed farming | R&D in biodegradable materials
Certain feed ingredients, such as wheat, provide positive environmental impacts by contributing to topsoil protection. Wheat’s dense canopy reduces erosion by shielding soil from wind and heavy rainfall. SalMar also engages in research and development related to biodegradable materials as alternatives to conventional plastics, supporting reduced pollution risks and improving circularity in operational material use.
Unclear extent of microplastics pollution
Soil pollution in feed production poses a financial risk due to potential impacts on crop yields and input costs. Uncertainty regarding the extent of microplastic pollution remains a risk, SalMar's reliance on plastic equipment, including feed hoses, ropes, nets, and rings, has been identified by the company as a risk towards marine species due to its potential contribution to microplastic pollution. SalMar does not have a clear insight into the full extent of its contributions towards microplastics entering the water column, which could demand considerable resources if sufficient insights into this was expected
Collection of sludge in closed systems
Expanding sludge collection through closed and semiclosed production systems represents a key opportunity to reduce pollution. These systems enable more effective capture of nutrients and organic waste, preventing spills to the marine environment. At the same time, collected sludge can create additional value through partnerships with third parties that convert it into biogas, fertiliser or other circular products.
SalMar aims to achieve a net positive impact on marine plastic pollution by actively contributing to coastal clean-up efforts in all operational areas. The company commits to conducting at least one coastal clean-up annually at each site and supports these initiatives through funding and logistical assistance. SalMar also targets the elimination of copper-impregnated nets and the transition to low-emission operating platforms.
SalMar implements measures to prevent and control pollution, including:
Transitioning to low-emission vessels and barges
Selecting farming locations based on environmental risk assessments
Implementing biosecurity plans and procedures to reduce water pollution
Phasing out copper-impregnated nets
Minimizing and substituting substances of concern
Supporting coastal clean-ups through participation, funding, and provision of boats.