Quepos, Costa Rica-based Martec has garnered 3-star certification from the Global Aquaculture Alliance’s Best Aquaculture Practices (BAP) scheme for its spotted rose snapper.
Founded in 1984, Martec began as a processor and exporter of wild-catch fish and, in 2008, it expanded into off-shore cage aquaculture focused on the spotted rose snapper (Lutjanus guttatus). It claims to be the first company in the world to grow and sell spotted rose snapper commercially.
Martec’s new 3-star BAP certification applies to its hatchery, offshore farm, and processing plant, according to Martec CEO Patrick Roulet.
“Certifications like BAP assure that Martec maintains its operations to highest international standards and allows to meet growing customers’ demands,” Roulet said.
Martec currently harvests and processes around 700 metric tons of snapper annually for sale in the U.S. and domestic markets. The company, which recently came under new ownership, employs more than 350 based in Puntarenas and Guanacaste, Costa Rica.
“With [the] new ownership, Martec has ambitious plans of strengthening its aquaculture division and growing it to 8,000 metric tons per year by 2024,” Roulet said.
