In developing their farmed cod, Johnson Seafarms work closely with UK and international accreditation groups and the RSPCA to achieve the highest possible environmental standards with respect to sustainability and fish welfare. All the fish meal, for example, is a by-product of fish caught for human consumption rather than being dredged from the sea. They are certified by Organic Food Federation. 

Cleanliness at the farm sites is paramount. Johnson Seafarms are closely monitored by the Scottish Environmental Protection Agency.  Under the auspices of the Shetland Islands Council they conduct annual hyperbaric surveys beneath their farm cages and produce daily reports on water quality, temperature and other factors.  They use no polluting ant-fouling agents on any of the nets in the cages.  Instead the nets are removed on a regular basis for cleaning.

In October 2003 Johnson Seafarms took delivery of the first large batch of juveniles from two hatcheries in Shetland and the Scottish mainland.  They are being raised to maturity over a 2 to 3 year cycle.  This will put their farmed cod production on a full scale commercial basis available to a wider customer base in the UK and abroad.