AAA Sustainability Principles and Audit Standard for Aquaculture Operations

AIMAP 2009-MA06

Table of contents

• 1.0 Introduction
• 1.1 Aboriginal Aquaculture Association
• 2.0 Scope and Applicability of this Standard
• 3.0 Assurance and Certification

1.0 Introduction

The First Nations (FN) people have long been stewards of the natural resources upon which their communities depend.  Although sustainability is a concept that is embedded within FN society, the development of a formal process by which these values can be expressed in modern society is often lacking. This guiding set of FN Principles and subsequent Audit Standard provides the structural and operational framework under which First Nations can be assured that their values, expectations and interests are included in the sustainable management of aquaculture operations in coastal BC.

The Aboriginal Aquaculture Association (AAA) Sustainability Principles and Audit Standards for Aquaculture Operations will be building on

• Transparency and FN Inclusiveness
• Social Responsibility
• Environmental Responsibility
• Economic Responsibility

1.1 Aboriginal Aquaculture Association

The Aboriginal Aquaculture Association (AAA) was established as a federally incorporated company in July, 2003 by six founding members representing a cross- section of aboriginal leaders in BC. These leaders came to realize that there were very few opportunities for band members to be involved in the various resource sectors of their local communities. After careful consideration, they concluded that various forms of aquaculture had the potential to restore coastal FN to thriving, self-sustaining communities through increased employment, revenue and control over ancestral territories.

The vision created by the founding members of the AAA is:

First Nations will play a key role in the development and management of a healthy and sustainable aquaculture sector in BC (Canada).

The mission of the AAA is:

To promote and assist the development of First Nations’ Aquaculture in British Columbiathat respects and supports First Nation Communities, Culture and Values.

2.0 Scope and Applicability of this Standard

The AAA Sustainability Principles and Audit Standard can be applied to any aquaculture organization in Canada that wishes to include the values and interests of FN in the management of their operations and obtain use of the AAA Certified Sustainable logo.

The Standard is expected to apply Coast wide with the onus on the proponent aquaculture developer to work cooperatively with the FN who assert title to the territory in which the aquaculture development is situated. The Proponent (typically a company), or Participant, would be expected to initiate contact with the relevant FN based on whose territory the operation is in and the proximity and location of their operations in relation to FN traditional use areas. These FN shall then have the opportunity to form First Nations Aquaculture Advisory Committees (FNAACs). Each FNAAC, in conjunction with organization representatives, will produce a FNAAC Sustainability Plan to help ensure the aquaculture operations in their area are conducted in accordance with the principles in this Standard and reflect the specific values and interest of the FNAAC. The FNAAC Sustainability Plan is a brief, concise action plan that will function as a dynamic process and enable the organization and the relevant FN to maintain dialogue and continued conformance with the AAA Sustainability Principles.

The AAA Sustainability and Audit Standard will operate within the framework of current operational Codes of Practise, Best Management Practises, Environmental and Quality Management Systems and demonstrate that Canada’s cultured fish and shellfish are produced and harvested in a sustainable manner that also ensures product safety. This will maintain security of market access both domestically and internationally.

3.0 Assurance and Certification

Third-party certification to this Standard and subsequent logo use will be available to all industry Participants that pass a certification audit. Interested Participants shall contact the AAA to initiate the certification process. The initial certification audit and subsequent surveillance audits shall be conducted by a qualified third-party Certification Body approved by the AAA. The qualifications of the Certification Body will be determined by the AAA. Participants may choose to schedule their AAA audit at the same time as their existing management system audits (e.g. ISO 14001, ISO 9001). Surveillance audits shall take place annually or at the same frequency as existing management system audits.

Auditors shall have the knowledge and skills to conduct an audit and report audit results in  accordance with International Standard ISO 19011:2002, Guidelines for Quality and/or Environmental Management Systems Auditing.