South Korea’s Raon Bada has become the first company globally to receive the Aquaculture Stewardship Council (ASC) certification for olive flounder (Paralichthys olivaceus), also known as Gwangeo.
The company has also pioneered the use of Recirculating Aquaculture System (RAS) technology in olive flounder farming. This system minimises water usage, employs eco-friendly feed, and avoids antibiotics and chemicals. The ASC certification recognises Raon Bada’s efforts to promote responsible farming practices and improve the welfare of both fish and the environment.
Raon Bada’s co-CEO, Yoon Ji-hyun, stated, “This certification is just the first step. We will continue to innovate and lead the sustainable seafood movement in Korea and beyond.”
Martin Lee, ASC Korea’s General Manager, emphasized the importance of sustainable farming methods in the blue economy, noting that production without antibiotics and chemicals is essential for long-term environmental health.
Raon Bada is also getting into a partnership with Conrad Seoul, which signed a preferential purchasing agreement for ASC-certified seafood. Conrad Seoul has significantly increased its sustainable seafood procurement and aims for 100% sustainable sourcing in the future.
South Korea is the world’s leading producer of olive flounder, accounting for over 70% of global production. In 2022, the country produced 46,000 metric tonnes of the fish, which is a major component of South Korea’s marine-farmed fish industry.
