Advancement of Aquaculture Standards and Certification Programming Under the Canadian Aquaculture Standards Forum (CASF): 1. Exploratory Open Audit Gap Analysis Discussions for Salmonid Operations; 2. National Industry-Level Development of Sustainability Reporting Framework

Summary:
The purpose of this AIMAP project was to build upon the groundwork effectively laid by the Canadian Aquaculture Industry Alliance (CAIA) regarding industry standards and certification programming. This project completed work on gap analyses done through the Canadian Aquaculture Standards Forum on a variety of aquaculture species, and examined a possible framework for sustainability reporting.

The benchmark audit processes and protocols were based on known and usual standard requirements for salmonids, specifically, Arctic Char. The intention was to provide an informative ‘audit experience’ typical of standards assessment for certification purposes. The broader intention of the audit, and associated company consultations, was to measure the performance of this Canadian company with respect to criteria deemed important to industry, markets and stakeholders. Global Trust, an accredited seafood certification and inspection and standards services provider, developed and tracked performance indicator markers focused in following key areas: (1) Regulatory Systems and Compliance, (2) Environmental Management, (3) Quality/Food Safety, and (4) Operational Management.

This project also supported national development of an auditable sustainability reporting framework for the salmon aquaculture industry. Specifically, the project introduced and developed the concept of industry-wide sustainability reporting using the Global Reporting Initiative (GRI) platform. Industry and Government (DFO) attendees learned that the GRI program is complex and requires significant ongoing commitment, including intensive stakeholder consultations. Conclusions from this exercise indicated that established, existing indicators should be examined first, before more complex and challenging indicators are assessed. Progressive long-term sustainability reporting will be enabled through careful initial focus on fundamental indicators which demonstrate continuous industry progress and long-standing commitment to sustainability.

Project Lead: Canadian Aquaculture Industry Alliance (CAIA)

Total Project Cost: $119,500
           
DFO-AIMAP Contribution: $75,000

Other Financial Support:

• Recipient: CAIA and industry

For more information please contact the AIMAP Team Leader:

Gloria.Falk@dfo-mpo.gc.ca