[ AQUACULTURE ]
As part of the certification process, the production culture of many aquafarms and operations is improved to a significantly higher level.
environment and social responsibility, animal welfare aspects, food safety and traceability. The entire production chain from hatcheries to farms (ongrowing) to feed manufacturers, processing operations and feed mills is certifiable. The scope of the certification programme can be identified by its star rating. This star system shows how many levels of a supply chain are being taken into consideration. It goes from one star (processor) to two stars (processor and farm) to three stars (processor, farm and hatchery) and up to four stars (processor, farm, hatchery and feed mill). Thus, a four-star certification confirms that the entire supply chain meets the BAP standards. When certifying aquaculture operations, the GAA works closely with national and local supervisory authorities, research institutes and environmental organisations in supporting the GAA
standards to find the greatest possible backing and support for the initiatives. As a rule, the sooner all participants are brought on board and the more they are integrated into the project, the more they engage with the certification process. The GAP standards offer very convincing advantages. For example, they contribute to the diversification of the local economy and community life. They support the creation of secure jobs (the BAP standards also contain specific provisions on protecting employment rights), promote the development of local infrastructure and prevent ecological damage to flora, fauna and the environment.
Certification audits are carried out by third parties The Aquaculture Certification Council is responsible for BAP certifications. As an independent
certification body, it employs an international team of accredited auditors. The auditors investigate the conformity of the aquaculture operations and facilities with the BAP standards on site, carry out tests if necessary and inspect operating records. Having the operational audits carried out by independent experts ensures the greatest possible fairness and guarantees that the efforts of the operations to achieve successful certification are appropriately considered and commended.
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The following key elements are primarily examined during BAP certification audits: 1. Environment of the aquaculture operations • Sediment and water quality • Economic use of fish meal and fish oil • Measures for preventing and controlling escapes • Use of genetically modified organisms (GMO)
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Interactions between farmed and wild animals Storage and disposal of animal losses Social responsibility Property rights and compliance with legal provisions Relationships and conflicts with local communities Occupational safety and employee relationships Animal welfare Animal health and wellbeing Biosafety and disease management Food safety Control of residues and pollutants Harvesting (fishing dry) and transport methods Compliance with operational HAACP concept Product traceability
The BAP standards are therefore not rigid and set in stone, but are instead regularly monitored,
EUROFISH .BHB[JOF
