May/June 2010 - Global Aquaculture Alliance

GAA Actively Involved In Aquaculture 2010
Peter Redmond Presents Keynote
The population of Kuala Lumpur Redmond represents said a that multicultural truly responsible collection certification of Malays, standards
Chinese and Indians. Sikhs and like those Eurasians of the also Best Aquaculture contribute to Practices the harmonious (BAP) program
blend of culture and traditions.
need
In
to
a
comprehensively
mix of old and new,
cover
the
environmental
varied groups
and social
–
issues,
as well as food safety and traceability from pond to processed lot.
each influenced by the others – reflect uniquely contrasting food, music, art
Redmond also reviewed GAA’s transparent BAP standards
and fashion.
development process, in which major stakeholders are represented
at the beginning and the end. There are regular reviews of
standards in a process that is not open to interpretation or undue
influence from coalitions. If a standard cannot be reviewed, Redmond
said, it is not worth the time taken to write it.
From a technical perspective, standards writing should begin
with a small group of technically qualified people. Science, not
Peter Redmond said certification is shifting from a matter
emotion or even history should be the backbone of any standard.
of corporate responsibility toward a concern for consumers.
There should be a clear separation of those who generate initial
www.bigphoto.com
www.bigphoto.com
drafts from the larger standard-writing group, as well as a period
The Global Aquaculture Alliance actively participated in
of open public comment.
www.bigphoto.com
Aquaculture 2010, the largest aquaculture trade show and con-
Redmond discussed market endorsement of certification and
ference in the world. Held March 1-5 in San Diego, California,
various current programs, noting that GAA’s BAP program is
USA, it included the annual meetings of the World Aquaculture
growing 25% annually. BAP covers all streams of the supply
Society and many other groups.
chain and combines food safety and environmental platforms
Peter Redmond, GAA vice president of development, was with clear governance and cost structures, but awareness of BAP
Visas
the keynote speaker at the event’s opening session. GAA also is limited at the consumer level, he said.
took part in the technical sessions with presentations by GAA Redmond concluded by stating that for now, certification is a
Visit www.kln.gov.my to determine if you need a visa to attend GOAL 2010 in Malaysia. If necessary, the GAA
President George Chamberlain, Best Aquaculture Practices corporate social responsibility issue, but it will become a consumer
home office will assist with letters of invitation. E-mail homeoffice@gaalliance.org
(BAP) Standards Coordinator Daniel Lee and Dr. Darryl Jory, issue within two to three
for
years.
assistance.
“Savvy retailers are making these
editor and development manager. In addition, GAA had a booth decisions today as a point of difference,” Redmond said. “But the
in the Register trade show area. Now for This Exclusive Event! debate is out of kilter between the industry, NGOs and retailers.”
Redmond opened his talk on “The Importance of Certifica- He said it is time for all NGOs to come together for a comtion”
by GOAL reminding 2010 the is a audience by-invitation that over meeting. 80% of All the registrations U.S. sea- will mon be reviewed solution, because by the there conference is no dire committee need for new before standards
food supply approval. is imported (Due to from the over nature 150 of countries. the conference Since regula- content, registration and the associated for media proliferation will be limited of supplier to selected and farm ser- expenses
tory frameworks vices.) On-site and enforcement registration, can if be available, inconsistent, will be how limited. can that could result. In the current state of play, more players may
we assure consumers that seafood is wholesome and responsibly be left out in the cold, which is the opposite of what is needed.
produced?
Register
The answer:
by August
certification.
27 to enjoy early-bird discounts. GAA corporate members receive additional discounts.
Join GAA while you register for GOAL 2010 or visit our “Join GAA” page at www.gaalliance.org/joingaa.php
for membership details.
New Governing Members Join Global Aquaculture Alliance
Corporate support for the Global Aquaculture Alliance is con- New member QVD is a leader in producing Pangasius, barratinuing
to grow with the addition of severeal new Governing mundi and other seafood products from Vietnam. QVD partners
Members.
with fish farms throughout the Mekong Delta region to ensure
New member Alfesca is one of Europe’s leading producers of quality from farming and processing to packaging and delivery.
convenience and fine food. Its wide range of products includes QVD was established in 1999 as a small factory in Can Tho.
smoked salmon and other fish, prawns and shellfish, duck and Today, it operates its primary headquarters in the United States
other items.
with a dedicated team to support a global customer base. The
Alfesca runs 15 factories in Europe that export products to Vietnam operations now include a 7,000-m
more than 40 countries around the world. Over the last few
years, Alfesca has placed great emphasis on incorporating sustainable
development into its overall strategy. With the recent
election of Ole Norgaard to the GAA board of directors, the
company is now taking a leadership role in GAA.
Blue Archipelago is another new GAA Governing Member.
The shrimp aquaculture company is dedicated to the production
of premium-quality seafood for the global market. It is a subsidiary
of Khazanah Nasional Berhad, the strategic investment arm
of the government of Malaysia.
Blue Archipelago operates the third-largest shrimp farm in
Malaysia. Its integrated shrimp aquaculture operations are on
track to receive Best Aquaculture Practices certification.
2 Global Aquaculture Alliance
GOAL 2010 is organized by the Global Aquaculture Alliance, an international non-profit trade association dedicated
to advancing responsible aquaculture. Through its Global Aquaculture Advocate magazine, website, meetings
and Best Aquaculture Practices standards, GAA helps aquaculturists raise wholesome and healthy seafood products.
GAA also represents aquaculture by promoting effective, coordinated regulatory and trade policies.
Malaysia Department of Fisheries
factory and a 5,400-
The Malaysia Department of Fisheries plays a leading role in the mt development cold storage and facility. implementation A second fish of modernization
factory is under construc-
strategies for the fisheries sector in Malaysia. Its mission is to develop
tion.
and manage the country’s fisheries sector
in a dynamic, competitive and sustainable manner based on scientific research and quality services.
Morey’s Seafood International upgraded its membership
from Sustaining to Governing Member status. Morey’s specializes
in the manufacture, marketing and distribution of highquality
seafood products to retail and foodservice clientele across
global aquaculture
the United States.
Products now under the Morey’s label include marinated
wild and farm-raised salmon, tilapia and mahi mahi, and smoked
5661 Telegraph Road, Suite 3A • St. Louis, Missouri 63129 USA salmon portions and smoked fish. The company works closely
Phone: +1-314-293-5500 • Fax: +1-314-293-5525
with industry groups and agencies to help assure a consistent and
Web: www.gaalliance.org • E-mail: homeoffice@gaalliance.org renewable source of species as well as other important environmental
interests.
16 May/June 2010 global aquaculture advocate
After 5:00, Petaling Street becomes a lively night market. For other evening fun,
try one of the city’s karaoke lounges or discos.
GOAL 2010
October 17-20, 2010
Shangri-La Hotel • Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
Building Trust
Through Engagement
®
global aquaculture
Co-hosted by Malaysia Department of Fisheries
Global Outlook for Aquaculture Leadership 2010
Join the Global Aquaculture Alliance and fellow seafood leaders
for GAA’s annual aquaculture seafood marketing meeting.