Global G.A.P. Aquaculture represents the worldwide standard for Good Aquaculture Practices at every stage of production. More specifically, Global G.A.P. Aquaculture strictly monitors compliance with laws, food safety, working conditions, animal welfare and environmental conservation. The entire production chain is covered, from brood stocks and fry to suppliers of feed and on to farming, harvesting and processing.The GLOBALG.A.P. Aquaculture Standard sets strict criteria for:
Legal compliance
Food safety
Workers’ occupational health & safety
GLOBALG.A.P. Risk Assessment on Social Practice (GRASP)
Animal welfare
Environmental and ecological care
The Standard covers the entire production chain from feed to fork:
Compound Feed: Aquaculture producers are required to source the compound feed used at the aquatic farming and hatchery levels from reliable suppliers. Learn more about the GLOBALG.A.P. Standard for Compound Feed Manufacturers.
Aquaculture Hatcheries and Farms: The GLOBALG.A.P. Aquaculture Standard applies to a diversity of fish, crustaceans and molluscs and extends to all hatchery-based farmed species, as well as the passive collection of seedlings in the planktonic phase. It covers the entire production chain, from broodstock, seedlings and feed suppliers to farming, harvesting and processing.
Chain of Custody: The GLOBALG.A.P. Chain of Custody Standard gives aquaculture producers a high level of transparency and integrity by identifying the status of your product throughout the entire production and supply chain, from farm to retailer. For added value, read more about the GLOBALG.A.P. Chain of Custody Standard here.
The Netherlands based Sustainable Trade Initiative IDH joined forces with WWF Netherlands to create the Aquaculture Stewardship Council in 2010. The ASC was established as a fully independent, not for profit organisation to both manage the standards developed for each species and to create future standards based on need and market demand.Since then we where the first fish farm in Greece certified for ASC. ASC certified trout is the responsible choice for:
Biodiversity
ASC certified trout farms minimise impacts on the local ecosystem in a number of ways, such as the development and implementation of an impact assessment on threatened species, ensuring farms are not sited in National Protected Areas, and minimising fish escapes. In addition, the introduction of exotic trout species is not allowed, unless cultured in a closed system. Since trout farming can occur along rivers, a maximum of 50 per cent of the river water flow can be diverted through the farm. The ecological quality of the riverbed should not be impacted and needs to be monitored carefully.
Feed
ASC certification requires trout farms to adhere to strict limits to minimise use of wild fish as an ingredient for feed. In addition, the standard requires farms to ensure full traceability back to a certified source, both for wild fish and soy.
Pollution
ASC certified trout farms are required to measure various water parameters (phosphorus, oxygen levels, etc.) at regular intervals and remain within set limits. Responsible farming can only take place in healthy water bodies.
Diseases
ASC certified trout farms must adhere to rigorous requirements to minimise disease outbreaks. A Fish Health Management Plan must be developed under supervision of a veterinarian and implemented on the farm. This plan details steps for biosecurity management. In addition, chemical antimicrobial treatments before a disease is diagnosed (prophylactic use), is prohibited.
Social
ASC certification imposes strict requirements based on the core principles of the International Labour Organisation (ILO), these include prohibiting the use of child labour or any form of forced labour. All ASC certified farms are safe and equitable working environments where employees earn a decent wage and have regulated working hours. Regular consultation with surrounding communities about potential social impacts from the farm and proper processing of complaints are also required by certified farms.