BAP Programme Certifies First Salmon Farm

Mainstream Canada's Brent Island farm near Campbell River, British Columbia, Canada, was audited in October and received its formal BAP certification notification 12 December.

"The Global Aquaculture Alliance proudly congratulates Mainstream Canada for leading the industry in achieving the first BAP salmon farm certification," Global Aquaculture Alliance President George Chamberlain said.

"This prestigious accomplishment culminates a three-year development process for the standards that involved dedicated NGOs, academics and industry representatives working together to develop consensus-based salmon standards that benefit the community, the environment and consumers."

"By meeting the BAP standards, we are proving our commitment to find ways to constantly improve our operations as part of our sustainability principles," Mainstream Canada Managing Director Fernando Villarroel said.

"Our vision as part of the Cermaq Group is to be a global leader in the aquaculture industry, and we are committed to creating value through sustainable aquaculture."

Mainstream Canada is one of the largest salmon-farming operations in British Columbia, Canada. The company currently operates three sites near Campbell River, including the Brent Island site. It also has eight sites near Port McNeill and 14 sites near Tofino in Ahousaht First Nation territory under a comprehensive protocol agreement. The company produces approximately 25,000 metric tons of Atlantic salmon annually.

BAP certification is based on the international Best Aquaculture Practices standards developed by the Global Aquaculture Alliance. For salmon and other major farmed species, BAP requires effective management of animal health, feed inputs, water quality and food safety. In a process that includes site inspections and in-depth audits, social responsibility and traceability are additional requirements.