Global Aquaculture Alliance Welcomes Public Comments on BAP Pangasius Standards
Drafts of the new Best Aquaculture Practices standards for Pangasius farms, developed under the guidance of the Standards Oversight Committee of the Global Aquaculture Alliance, are now posted for public comment at www.gaalliance.org/bap/comments.php.
Comments can also be sent by e-mail or fax to BAP Standards Coordinator Daniel Lee (dangaelle@aol.com, +44-1248-716729) or Technical Committee Chairman Philippe Serene (sereneconco@vnn.vn, +84-8-5121-259). Interested parties must submit comments by March 31.
The new BAP standards apply only to facilities that raise Pangasius in ponds. The Best Aquaculture Practices certification program has separate standards for channel catfish farms.
Two draft documents — the standards/guidelines and accompanying audit form — are provided online in PDF format. The first file outlines the standards, as well as the reasons for their requirements and how best to comply with the standards. The draft audit form indicates how auditors will review Pangasius farms for compliance with the BAP standards.
In addition to social and environmental responsibility, the Pangasius farm standards encompass food safety and traceability. Audit questions address biodiversity protection and quantify water quality in pond effluents. They also require controlled use of chemical treatments and monitoring of feed ingredients from marine sources. Another standard specifies ongoing management and proper disposal of pond sludge.
The Standards Oversight Committee (SOC) recently approved the release of the new standards for public comment after reviewing an initial draft submitted by the Pangasius Farm Technical Committee. After evaluating comments received, the technical committee will consider changes to the standards and forward a revised document to the SOC for further approval. All properly submitted comments will be acknowledged.
For additional information on the comments process and Best Aquaculture Practices certification, contact Daniel Lee at +44-1248-712906, e-mail dangaelle@aol.com.
The Best Aquaculture Practices program is a comprehensive, rigorous, metrics-based certification program for aquaculture — including farms, hatcheries and processing plants. BAP standards cover the environment, social responsibility, animal welfare, food safety and traceability.
