Open Blue cobia now a Seafood Watch “Good Alternative”

Open Blue cobia, which is farmed in Panama, has been upgraded to a “good alternative” by Monterey Bay Aquarium’s Seafood Watch seafood sustainability rankings.

According to Open Blue, the cobia had previously not been recommended by the Seafood Watch program because of the feed ratio required to raise the fish. The company has been able to reduce the amount of fishmeal and fish oil used to raise its cobia, Open Blue Executive Vice President of Sales and Marketing Bernie Leger said.

“Open Blue’s demonstrated ability to quickly reduce the ratio and commit to continued improvement allowed the Seafood Watch administrators to improve the rating,” Leger said in a press release.

Panama City, Panama-based Open Blue raises cobia in fully submerged open-water aquaculture “SeaStations.”  The Seafood Watch upgrade, combined with the four-star Best Aquaculture Practices (BAP) certification earned last month by Open Blue, shows the company’s commitment to sustainability, Perry said. Open Blue cobia products also have Global G.A.P., Friend of the Sea, and BRC certifications.

“We are leading the way in raising cobia sustainably – improving in our feed is just one area that we’re showing how well Open Blue can raise these fish using unique technology and our diligent attention,” Open Blue CEO Chris Perry said.