The Global Aquaculture Alliance (GAA) has recently announced two personnel changes. Melanie Siggs has joined GAA in the newly created position of Director of Strategic Engagements, and Chris Keller has been named director of Best Aquaculture Practices (BAP) market development for the Americas. 

Keller’s promotion comes 14 months after he joined GAA as BAP market development manager-retail for North America. Keller will oversee the market development team in North America, working with Molly Jacques and Tim Hogan in an effort to grow adoption of the BAP third-party certification program amongst retail and foodservice companies.

 “Chris has been with GAA for just over a year, and during that time his responsibilities have grown,” said GAA Executive Director Wally Stevens. “We are delighted that Chris has taken on this expanded role as he is committed to advancing responsible and sustainable aquaculture around the globe.” 

In her role, Siggs will help explore the creation of products and services that meet GAA’s goal of adding value, and values, to the organization’s proposition while advocating, educating and demonstrating best practices. She will look at the development of non-core activities, identify opportunities to work with new partners and help lead teams to develop proof-of-concept work, prototypes and pilots.

Siggs has acted as an ad hoc advisor to the organization for a number of years, particularly during the development of a new governance structure that led to GAA’s Standards Oversight Committee in 2008, as well as during the formation of an education platform. She has been a board member of the Responsible Aquaculture Foundation, GAA’s educational arm, since 2013.

Learn more about the Global Aquaculture Alliance and BAP Certification Program