The Global Aquaculture Alliance today released the members of its Standards Oversight Committee (SOC), who will be tasked with overseeing the development and updating of the group's Best Aquaculture Practices (BAP) standards.
SOC members include: Dr. Devin Bartley, aquaculture coordinator for the state of California; Sebastian Belle, executive director of the Maine Aquaculture Association; Dr. Claude Boyd of Auburn University; Estelle Brennan of Lyons Seafoods Ltd. in the United Kingdom; Michelle Harvey of the Environmental Defense Fund; Dr. Steve Otwell of the University of Florida; Dr. Charles Santerre of Purdue University; Dr. Jerry Schubel of the Aquarium of the Pacific; Melanie Siggs of Seafood Choices Alliance; Dr. Michael Tlusty of the New England Aquarium; and Dr. John Wigglesworth of Darden Restaurants. GAA members include Dr. George Chamberlain, serving as chair; and Dan Lee, serving as coordinator.
GAA Executive Director Wally Stevens says the Board of Directors is pleased with the caliber of the SOC nominees. "Our finalists have in common a track record of seeking and finding solutions for aquaculture that are based on solid research and science," says Stevens. "They have all contributed to advancing the supply of nutritious, safe and sustainably produced seafood."
The challenge of developing standards will require both commitment and cooperation, says Stevens.
"Going forward, there are no assumptions from any of these members or their respective organizations that standards development will be easy or inclusive," says Stevens. "The SOC is tasked with achieving workable standards for processes that ultimately result in safe products, with full recognition of environmental, worker, community and conservation issues. Input will be solicited from any and all sources to create effective BAP standards."
The initial meeting of the SOC will be on Oct. 28 prior to GAA's Global Outlook for Aquaculture Leadership meeting in Qingdao, China.
