The Global Sustainable Seafood Initiative (GSSI) Confirms Continued Recognition of the Best Aquaculture Practices (BAP) Program
In a significant development for sustainable seafood practices, the Global Sustainable Seafood Initiative (GSSI) has announced the ongoing recognition of the Best Aquaculture Practices (BAP) program. This recognition follows the completion of the Monitoring of Continued Alignment Process, as detailed in the GSSI Benchmark Procedures.
Details of GSSI’s Continued Recognition of BAP
The BAP Farm Standard (version 3.1, 2021), Salmon Farm Standard (version 2.4, 2016), and Mollusk Farm Standard (version 1.2, 2021) achieved GSSI recognition in November 2023. This assessment involved a thorough evaluation against Sections A (Governance), B (Operational Management), and C (Aquaculture) of the GSSI Global Benchmark Tool v2.0.
The Monitoring of Continued Alignment (MOCA) for these aquaculture standards began in April 2025. As per the GSSI Benchmark Operating Procedures, a Desktop Review was conducted, and the participating Independent Experts (IEs) recommended continued recognition of the standards. This recommendation received the endorsement of the Benchmark Committee and was ultimately approved by the GSSI Steering Board in April 2026.
Understanding GSSI’s Monitoring of Continued Alignment
The GSSI Monitoring of Continued Alignment (MOCA) serves as a critical oversight mechanism, ensuring that recognized schemes adhere to the GSSI Global Benchmark Tool’s requirements in between full re-assessments. This annual process is vital for maintaining recognition.
The MOCA process begins with a self-assessment by the Scheme Owner, who reports any changes in ownership, governance, management systems, or normative documents, including standards and procedures. Following this report, IEs conduct a targeted Desktop Review to determine if the scheme remains aligned with GSSI’s Essential Components.
Main Areas of Focus for Independent Experts
- Identification of changes in reference documents or scheme ownership/management to assess any impact on alignment with the GSSI Benchmark Tool.
- Verification of continued implementation through recent audit reports and supporting documentation, confirming that the scheme operates as described.
After evaluating the findings, the Independent Experts submit a written recommendation to the Benchmark Committee, which reviews the insights and formulates its own recommendation. The final decision rests with the GSSI Steering Board, followed by a public announcement to ensure transparency.
Exploring GSSI’s Global Benchmark Tool
The GSSI Global Benchmark Tool offers formal recognition to seafood certification schemes that successfully undergo a rigorous and transparent Benchmark Process. This tool is grounded in the FAO Code of Conduct for Responsible Fisheries, the FAO Guidelines for Ecolabelling of Fish and Fishery Products from Marine/Inland Capture Fisheries, and the FAO Technical Guidelines for Aquaculture Certification. The primary aim of the Global Benchmark Tool is to mitigate the environmental impact of seafood production and supply, addressing the increasing global demand.
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