Everyone talks about species-appropriate animal husbandry, thinking primarily of warm-blooded animals such as cattle, pigs and chickens. Many worry about whether the fruit and vegetables you buy might be genetically modified. But what about warm-blooded fish? Is there actually organic fish, how is it kept, what is it fed, where can I buy it and are there guidelines on this?
Organic quality fish
Although fish in itself is a healthy food, but there are differences in quality, depending on the individual farmer. Just as in fattening and poultry farming, fishing companies often rely on “mass instead of class”; too small tanks for too many fish. The use of chemicals and antibiotics is also a concern. In response, farming associations, such as Bioland and Naturland, agreed on guidelines for organic farming. Products with these seals offer both quality and taste benefits.
Less fat and firm to the bite
For example, antibiotics and insecticides are banned in “organic farming,” so fewer residues of these substances are found in organic fish than in conventionally farmed fish. Organic fish are also less fatty because they keep themselves fitter, so to speak, than the “conventional” ones. They have more space in the tanks and thus more movement. They also get less high-energy feed. Another example: organic salmon according to Naturland standards is dry salted. The usual injection of brine into the meat of mechanically processed salmon is not permitted. As a result, the organic salmon fillet contains less water and has a firmer bite.
The organic regulations in detail
- Producers are committed to responsible and sustainable use of natural resources.
- The fish live in natural reproductive conditions and do not receive hormones for stimulation. They are kept in polycultures (different fish species together) whenever possible.
- The fish have more space to swim than in conventional husbandry.
- The feed must come from recognized organic production, genetically modified feed and additives are not allowed. Exception: natural pigments (dyes), which are responsible for the pink coloration of the meat in salmon farming.
- Fishmeal is subject to particularly high requirements.
- For some fish species, there are upper limits for feeding, for example, the natural food supply in carp farming must be at least half of the required amount of feed.
- The use of antibiotics and insecticides is not allowed.
- When using medicines, double waiting periods must be observed with the positive result that the need for preventive measures is particularly great. In treatment, natural remedies are preferable.
- In processed fish products, the ingredients (such as oil or breading) come from organic farming and are marked accordingly in the list of ingredients.
New standards in fish farming
Organic fish farming has also gained acceptance at the EU level. New specifications ensure the quality of the product and ensure species-appropriate husbandry. Although environmental organizations, such as Greenpeace, complain that the EU guidelines are not strict enough, they at least represent a step in the right direction.
Where can you buy organic fish?
You can buy organic fish at health food stores, specialty fish stores and supermarkets. More often, it is offered further processed, for example, salmon and trout from organic farming are pickled (marinated) or smoked. Shrimps, mussels and salmon are available frozen. Fish products from wild catch are available as canned (sardines, herring, tuna) and frozen products such as Schlemmerfilet or fish sticks.
