The Global Aquaculture Alliance (GAA) and the Seafood Importers Association of Australasia (SIAA) have signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU), in which the two organizations will work collaboratively to advance responsible aquaculture.

More than 70% of edible seafood consumed by Australians is imported, much of it by the SIAA’s 25 member companies.

In the MoU, SIAA pledged to support the concept of independent, third-party aquaculture certification by working with industry and government to strengthen their understanding of aquaculture certification and with the public to strengthen its understanding of sustainable, responsible aquaculture.

Also in the MoU, SIAA members agreed to adopt a general preference for aquaculture products from certified facilities, where applicable. The SIAA will assist GAA in promoting its Best Aquaculture Practices (BAP) certification standards as well as other globally recognized aquaculture certification standards in Australasia.

In return, GAA agreed to keep SIAA informed about updates to the BAP standards, new BAP standards in development, its accredited certification bodies and marketing activities in Australasia.

“The world, and particularly Australia, are increasingly dependent on aquaculture, as wild fisheries reach sustainable ceilings. Consumers want to be certain that farms are operating to recognized principles of environmental stewardship and socially accountability, and international standard holders such as GAA provide credible benchmarks and a pathway to independent certification,” said SIAA Executive Chairman Norm Grant.