Development of an Aboriginal Certification of Environmental Sustainability (ACES) Program for Aquaculture in Canada

Summary:
The First Nations people have long been stewards of the natural resources upon which their communities depend. Although sustainability is a concept that is embedded within First Nations society, the development of a formal process by which these values can be expressed in modern society is often lacking. The guiding set of First Nations 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 British Columbia. The Aboriginal Aquaculture Association (AAA) Sustainability Principles and Audit Standards for Aquaculture Operations will be building on Transparency and First Nations Inclusiveness; Social Responsibility; Environmental Responsibility; and Economic Responsibility.

The Standard is expected to apply Coast wide with the onus on the proponent aquaculture developer to work cooperatively with the First Nations 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 First Nations based on whose territory the operation is in and the proximity and location of their operations in relation to First Nations traditional use areas. These First Nations 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 First Nation 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 Practice, Best Management Practices, 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.

Project Lead: Aboriginal Aquaculture Association (AAA)

Total Project Cost: $31,000
           
DFO-AIMAP Contribution: $20,000

Other Financial Support:

• Recipient: Aboriginal Aquaculture Association (AAA)
• Industry : Mainstream Canada

For more information please contact the AIMAP Team Leader:

Gloria.Falk@dfo-mpo.gc.ca