The World Wildlife Fund (WWF) has released a proposed new set of aquaculture standards for cobia and seriola, and invited the public to comment on the proposal.
This will be the first of two 60-day public comment periods on the proposed new standards, which take into account more modern technology and other aquaculture advances, according to a release from the WWF. The new standards are also intended to reduce the negative impacts of seriola and cobia aquaculture on the environment.
The WWF and the Aquaculture Stewardship Council (ASC) are coordinating the effort by scientists, conservationists, producers and other interested parties to improve aquaculture standards for many species. To date, the effort has already revised standards for pangasius, tilapia, abalone, bivalves, salmon and freshwater, with shrimp standards expected to be finalized this year.
“Key to meaningful and credible aquaculture standards is full transparency and diverse participation in the process, and that’s exactly what we have with these dialogues,” said Jose Villalon, Vice President of WWF’s Aquaculture Program and coordinator of the full set of standards dialogues. “By integrating input and expertise from a range of voices involved with seriola and cobia production, these standards will be critical in conserving the world’s oceans at the scale needed to meet rising global demand for farmed seafood.”
There will be a second public comment period beginning in May 2013. Coordinators are expecting to finalize the standards by the end of the year.
