What is responsible aquaculture?
Understanding aquaculture
- What is aquaculture?
- Why is aquaculture essential today?
- How can we make aquaculture responsible?
Our commitment at Gloria Maris
- Responsible aquaculture, in concrete terms
- Our commitments to sustainable production
- On our scale: to produce better every day
Understanding aquaculture
1. What is aquaculture?
Aquaculture refers to the farming of fish, shellfish, and other aquatic organisms in a controlled environment. It can be practiced at sea, in lagoons, or in ponds, and involves supporting the development of species from birth to market.
Unlike wild fishing, which depends on available natural resources, aquaculture allows for control of production and ensures a regular supply of seafood.
Today, it represents an essential part of the world's food supply and plays a key role in the future of marine resources.
2. Why is aquaculture essential today?
Demand for seafood continues to rise, while wild resources are reaching their limits. In this context, aquaculture is emerging as a sustainable solution to meet food needs while preserving the oceans.
But not all aquaculture systems are created equal.
Some intensive practices can have an impact on the environment if they are not controlled. This is why a shift towards more responsible models has become essential.
3. How can we make aquaculture responsible?
Aquaculture becomes responsible when it incorporates practices that respect the environment, animals and ecosystems.
This is based on several fundamental principles:
Preserving the quality of water and natural environments
Controlling fish farming densities to guarantee fish welfare
Use a sustainable and controlled food
Limit the impact on local biodiversity
Ensure complete product traceability
Our commitment at Gloria Maris
4. Responsible aquaculture, in concrete terms
At Gloria Maris, responsible aquaculture is not a concept, but a daily reality.
We raise our fish in the Mediterranean, in a protected natural environment, taking care to respect the marine balance. Every stage of the farming process is designed to guarantee both product quality and respect for the environment.
From site selection to farm management, everything is done to produce in a sustainable and transparent manner.
5. Our commitments to sustainable production
Our approach is based on strong commitments:
- Open-sea farming, promoting naturally renewed water
- Controlled stocking density for fish welfare
- Rigorously selected feed
- Complete traceability from spat to consumer
- Constant monitoring of water quality and ecosystems
These choices guarantee products that are both responsible and of high taste quality.
6. On our scale: producing better every day
Being involved in responsible aquaculture means making continuous progress.
For Gloria Maris, this means:
- Continuously improve our practices
- Reduce our environmental impact
- Innovate for more sustainable production
- Commit to the long term, beyond standards
Every decision, every action counts. On our scale, we contribute to building a more respectful, more transparent and more demanding aquaculture industry.
AQUACULTURE & QUALITY
LABELS & CERTIFICATIONS
SUSTAINABILITY & ENVIRONMENT
PRODUCTS & SUPPLY
PARTNERSHIPS & CLIENTS
What is marine aquaculture?
Marine aquaculture refers to the farming of fish in a marine environment, under controlled conditions. Contrary to some misconceptions, it allows for the production of high-quality fish while reducing pressure on wild stocks.
At Gloria Maris, our fish are raised in a preserved marine environment, with special attention paid to their well-being and water quality.
What is the difference between farmed fish and wild fish?
Wild fish depend on the vagaries of fishing and the resources available at sea. Farmed fish, when produced under good conditions, offer:
- consistent quality
- complete traceability
- regular availability
- a controlled impact on natural resources
At Gloria Maris, our products are often indistinguishable from wild ones during blind tastings by chefs.
Can a farmed fish be high-end?
Yes, absolutely — provided that it meets strict criteria.
At Gloria Maris, the premium positioning is based on:
- low livestock density
- a controlled diet
- preserved natural environments
- demanding certifications
It is this level of quality that allows our fish to be featured on gourmet tables and at events like the Bocuse d'Or.
How can we guarantee the taste quality of farmed fish?
Marine aquaculture refers to the farming of fish in a marine environment, under controlled conditions. Contrary to some misconceptions, it allows for the production of high-quality fish while reducing pressure on wild stocks.
At Gloria Maris, our fish are raised in a preserved marine environment, with special attention paid to their well-being and water quality.
What is the Label Rouge in aquaculture?
These labels serve different purposes:
- Label Rouge: superior taste quality
- Organic: strict respect for the environment and no antibiotics
- ASC: International standard for sustainability
Gloria Maris combines these approaches depending on the site to guarantee quality, sustainability and traceability.
What is the difference between Label Rouge, Organic and ASC?
These labels serve different purposes:
- Label Rouge: superior taste quality
- Organic: strict respect for the environment and no antibiotics
- ASC: International standard for sustainability
Gloria Maris combines these approaches depending on the site to guarantee quality, sustainability and traceability.
What does “Guaranteed French Origin” mean for a fish?
This label certifies that the fish is entirely raised and processed in France. This is a key criterion for:
- transparency
- food sovereignty
- The reduction of transport is particularly applied to productions from the Opal Coast.
Are your fish traceable?
Yes.
Each fish can be traced from the hatchery to the end customer.
This traceability guarantees:
- food security
- transparency
- consistency of quality
An advanced traceability project (blockchain type) is also under development.
Is aquaculture sustainable?
When done properly, yes.
Aquaculture allows us to:
- limit overfishing
- secure the food supply
- reduce pressure on wild ecosystems
At Gloria Maris, we integrate concrete practices:
- sites in Natura 2000 zones
- energy optimization
- organic supply chains without antibiotics
How is Gloria Maris reducing its environmental impact?
We are taking action on several levels:
- choice of preserved natural sites
- optimized resource management
- innovation (e.g., industrial heat recovery)
- alternative food (algae, insects — in R&D)
Our goal is to produce better, with less impact.
Do you use antibiotics?
No, not in our organic supply chains. More broadly, our approach prioritizes:
- prevention
- animal welfare
- optimal breeding conditions
-
This greatly limits the use of treatments.
What species does Gloria Maris offer?
We primarily raise:
- Bar
- Royal sea bream
- Skinny
- Bar Alevins
Each species is associated with a specific terroir.
What is your production capacity?
Gloria Maris produces approximately 4,000 tonnes of fish per year, spread across several sites in France and the Mediterranean.
Can you guarantee a regular supply?
Yes.
Thanks to :
- our multi-site organization
- our mastery of the production chain
- our internal incubator
We ensure a high level of supply stability, which is essential for professionals.
Do you work internationally?
Yes, we already export to several countries, particularly in Europe and Asia, with a focus on strengthening our international development.
Who are our products intended for?
We work exclusively in B2B with:
- gourmet chefs and restaurateurs
- fishmongers and artisans
- premium retail brands
Why choose Gloria Maris as a supplier?
Our partners choose us because:
- consistency of quality
- traceability
- certifications
- the ability to tell a story produced
- long-term reliability
Some clients have trusted us for over 20 years.
Do you offer promotional materials to enhance your products at the point of sale?
Yes.
We support our partners with:
- product sheets
- sales pitches
- storytelling content
- highlighting the labels
Can we visit your production sites?
Depending on the circumstances, visits can be arranged for professional partners. This is a unique opportunity to understand our approach and see the quality of our practices firsthand.
How can I get in touch with you?
You can contact us via our online form or directly through our sales teams. We carefully review each request to build a suitable partnership.
