Significant Expansion of GSA Certification Programs
In 2024, Global Seafood Alliance's (GSA) certification programs, Best Aquaculture Practices (BAP) and Best Seafood Practices (BSP), showcased impressive growth, expanding by 5 percent and reaching 4,168 facilities across 45 countries. With an outstanding retention rate of 88 percent, these figures underscore a strong commitment from producers towards achieving and maintaining high standards.
Improvements in Operational Practices
Producers undertaken more than 8,200 enhancements to their operational practices in order to meet GSA certification requirements successfully. The detailed breakdown of these facilities includes 540 processing plants, 3,132 farms, 346 hatcheries, and 150 feed mills, collectively reporting over 3.2 million metric tons of annual production. Notably, the year ended with 9 certified vessels, further highlighting GSA's role in fostering responsible fishing practices.
Producers' Commitment to Continuous Improvement
The drive towards certification involves addressing any non-conformities identified during audits. In 2024, the variety of improvements made by certified producers included 2,602 related to food safety, 2,566 linked to social accountability, 2,229 addressing environmental responsibility, 495 pertaining to animal welfare, and 320 focusing on traceability. These efforts reflect the seafood industry’s dedication to responsible practices and continuous improvement.
Milestones Achieved in 2024
The year was marked by several significant milestones for GSA. One notable highlight was the establishment of a four-star BAP-certified producer in the Faroe Islands, along with the first BAP-certified farm and hatchery in southern Africa. Additionally, GSA welcomed Mike Kocsis as its new CEO in April, a strategic move that seeks to propel the organization to new heights.
Launching New Consumer Initiatives
In May, GSA launched consumer websites in French and German, allowing it to engage a broader audience and promote its commitment to sustainable practices across multiple languages. The initiatives aim to educate consumers on responsible seafood sourcing and the importance of certification standards.
Responsible Seafood Summit Success
Additionally, GSA hosted a successful Responsible Seafood Summit in Scotland in October, providing a platform for industry stakeholders to share best practices, discuss challenges, and explore innovative solutions for the seafood sector.
Innovative New Platforms for Assurance
In December, GSA introduced a new assurances platform, Prism, in collaboration with Wholechain. This platform aims to enhance the transparency and traceability of seafood products, allowing consumers and businesses to verify the sources of their seafood more effectively.
Future Plans and Outlook
As GSA looks to the future, the organization remains committed to driving positive change throughout the global seafood supply chain. The continued growth and improvements observed within its certification programs solidify the collective effort of GSA, its certified producers, and partners towards a more sustainable seafood industry.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Global Seafood Alliance (GSA)?
The Global Seafood Alliance is an organization focused on promoting responsible seafood practices and certifications like BAP and BSP that enhance sustainability in the seafood industry.
How many facilities are certified under GSA programs?
As of 2024, there are a total of 4,168 certified facilities across 45 countries under the GSA certification programs.
What significant improvements did certified producers make in 2024?
Producers achieved over 8,200 improvements, focusing on aspects such as food safety, environmental responsibility, and traceability to meet GSA standards.
Who is the current CEO of GSA?
Mike Kocsis is the current CEO of the Global Seafood Alliance, having been named to the position in April 2024.
What new initiatives did GSA launch in 2024?
In 2024, GSA launched consumer websites in French and German and introduced the Prism assurance platform to enhance transparency and traceability in seafood sourcing.
