BAP program gains momentum from Boston

Interest in the Global Aquaculture Alliance’s Best Aquaculture Practices program continues to grow, the organization said on Thursday.

At the International Boston Seafood Show earlier this month, feedback on the BAP program was “very positive” and resulted in several facilities signing up for inspection in the coming months.

Eight new plants and nine new farms committed to BAP certification during the three-day event, including five shrimp farms in India, salmon farms in Canada and Chile and a tilapia farm in Brazil. The plant applicants are located in China, Vietnam, Indonesia, Mexico and Canada.

As of 15 March, the 100 facilities — 42 plants and 58 farms — pending BAP certification reflected more than double the number of applicants in February 2011. GAA said it was its best Boston show since promotion for the BAP program began in 2003.

During the show, Supervalu announced that it has adopted BAP certification for its aquaculture procurement policy. The move means that seafood bearing the BAP mark will be available at thousands of Acme, Albertsons, Cub Foods, Farm Fresh, Hornbacher’s, Jewel-Osco, Lucky, Save-A-Lot, Shaw’s/Star Market, Shop ’n Save and Shoppers Food & Pharmacy locations across the United States.

BJ’s Wholesale Club also announced its commitment to sustainable seafood through its alignment with BAP. From fresh fish to frozen value-added seafood, BJ’s seafood partners must take steps to responsibly source seafood for its 195 club stores and 107 gas stations in the eastern United States.

“With all this activity, we are clearly making a difference in the aquaculture industry,” said Wally Stevens, GAA’s executive director. “As 2012 further unfolds, GAA will continue to spread benefits of responsible aquaculture through BAP and other global programs.”

The BAP team will attend the European Seafood Exposition in Brussels late next month.

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