The Association of Genuine Alaska Producers (GAPP) is seeking a company to conduct a life cycle assessment (LCA) for the wild Alaska pollock industry.
“GAPP is looking for a partner to work with GAPP members to apply accepted methods to assess those environmental impacts associated with all stages of product catch, processing and distribution to commercial channels and, ultimately, determine the carbon footprint (CF) and other relevant sustainability indicators of wild Alaska pollock as a protein choice compared to other protein choices,” the organization said in a press release.
Much of the recent research into food system contributions indicates that the range of emission intensity differences between food systems – specifically animal protein production systems – is enormous and driven from a diverse and varied range of greenhouse gas emitting inputs and processes, according to GAPP.
“Importantly, however, recent research indicates that many fisheries systems are sources of relatively low greenhouse gas emission sources of animal protein,” the organization said.
“We know that wild Alaska pollock has an incredible sustainability story, but stories alone in today’s marketplace are not enough,” Craig Morris, CEO of GAPP, said in the release. “Our customers and consumers are looking for substantiated numbers about our carbon footprint and we must stand ready to provide that data.”
There is relatively little research published that looks specifically at a protein choice of products sourced from wild Alaska pollock using an LCA methodology, according to GAPP. LCA is an internationally-recognized approach that evaluates potential impacts of products and services throughout their life cycle, beginning with raw material extraction and including all aspects of transportation, manufacturing, use, and end-of-life treatment.
GAPP is requesting proposals from qualified partners via application instructions available on its website.
