Leveraging Aquaculture Standards and Certification Benefits for Canada under the Canadian Aquaculture Standards Forum (CASF)

Summary:
Building on similar 2008 and 2009 AIMAP initiatives, the Canadian Aquaculture Standards Forum (CASF) was awarded additional AIMAP support through 2010 and 2011 for programming aimed at improving Canadian industry understanding of standards and certification options, particularly related to the demonstration of sustainability. The 2010 and 2011 program grew out of the following 2008 and 2009 AIMAP-supported projects:

• CASF Project Management
• Initial Meetings and Timelines
• BC Salmon Farmers Association (BCSFA) Open Audit Gap Analysis Project
• CASF Workshop, Toronto (February 2009)
• Standards and Certification Global Market Report & Glossary
• Mussel Industry Benchmarking (to March 31, 2010)
• Arctic Char Benchmarking (to March 31, 2010)
• National Industry-Level Sustainability Reporting/Global Reporting Initiative (GRI) Framework (to March 31, 2010).

The 2010-2011 projects were a natural evolution for the groundwork already laid out by AIMAP and CASF. The projects are intended to create a constructive and knowledgeable environment which will accelerate and facilitate standard and certification program adoption across the Canadian aquaculture industry. The 2010-2011 AIMAP project includes six major components:

1. WWF Bivalve Standard Gap Analysis (Benthics / Carrying Capacity)
2. Mussel (Bivalve) Certification Preparation Programming
3. Certification Preparation for British Columbia Shellfish Growers Association (BCSGA)
4. Open Benchmark Audit (Gap Analysis) Project for Sablefish / Trout Operations
5. How to Implement Standards and Certification - Pilot course for Northern Ontario Aquaculture Association (NOAA) Trout Producers, and follow up courses for Newfoundland Aquaculture Industry Association (NAIA) Salmonid and Mussel Producers
6. FAO Framework Preparatory Study

Project Lead: Canadian Aquaculture Industry Alliance (CAIA)

Total Project Cost: $269,000
           
DFO-AIMAP Contribution: $200,000

Other Financial Support:

• Recipient: CAIA
• Industry Associations : PEIAA; NAIA; AANS; BCSGA
• Northern Ontario Aquaculture Association  (NOAA)
• Industry

For more information please contact the AIMAP Innovation Manager:

Gloria.Falk@dfo-mpo.gc.ca