#United States #GSA #BAP #BSP #Portsmouth, New Hampshire

Growth of GSA Certification Programs

The Global Seafood Alliance (GSA) has reported remarkable progress in its certification programs, Best Aquaculture Practices (BAP) and Best Seafood Practices (BSP), achieving a significant 5% growth in 2024. This increase is particularly notable as it culminates in a total of 4,168 certified facilities spread across 45 different countries, underpinning the global impact of GSA's initiatives.

Retention Rates and Certification Insights

A retention rate of 88% has been recorded, illustrating the commitment and dedication of certified producers to uphold GSA's rigorous standards. This impressively high retention figure is complemented by over 8,200 enhancements made by producers in their operations, demonstrating proactive efforts to align with certification requirements.

Breakdown of Certified Facilities

Of the certified facilities, 540 are processing plants, which include operations for both farmed and wild-caught seafood. Additionally, 3,132 farms, 346 hatcheries, and 150 feed mills are part of this certification network. The certified plants collectively reported an annual production exceeding 3.2 million metric tons, a clear testament to the scale at which these standards are being adopted.

Operational Improvements

In 2024, certified producers undertook a variety of improvements to their operations to meet GSA certification standards. Among the transformations, there were 2,602 actions aimed at enhancing food safety, while 2,566 addressed concerns related to social accountability. Furthermore, environmental responsibility was addressed in 2,229 instances, animal welfare improvements were made 495 times, and traceability measures were enhanced in 320 cases. Such actions reflect a comprehensive approach towards sustainable seafood production, aligning with modern market demands.

Leadership and Strategic Initiatives

In a significant leadership move, Mike Kocsis was appointed as CEO of GSA in April 2024, paving the way for fresh strategic initiatives. In May, GSA launched consumer websites in both French and German, expanding their outreach significantly. October saw the success of the Responsible Seafood Summit hosted in Scotland, a pivotal event for engaging stakeholders and discussing industry trends.

New Innovations and Future Directions

GSA also introduced a new assurance platform named Prism, developed in partnership with Wholechain, which promises to enhance the traceability of seafood. This initiative aligns with the growing consumer demand for transparency in food sourcing and production, showcasing GSA's adaptability to industry changes.

In addition to these achievements, 2024 marked milestones including the first four-star BAP-certified producer in the Faroe Islands and the inaugural BAP-certified farm and hatchery in southern Africa, exemplifying the expanding global footprint of GSA certification.

Commitment to Sustainable Practices

Counting on a diverse network of certified producers, GSA exemplifies the seafood industry's dedication to responsible practices and continuous improvement. With 2024 affirming the momentum for GSA standards across the global seafood supply chain, the results highlight the real-world impact of these standards. The continual rise in certified facilities and operational upgrades underscores GSA's role as a beacon of sustainable growth, encouraging others in the industry to follow suit.

As we look to the future, the focus on innovation, leadership, and accountability will persist as essential elements in advancing the practices of seafood production worldwide. GSA remains poised to lead in these vital conversations and actions, ensuring that seafood sustainability continues to be at the forefront of industry practices.