The report provides a comprehensive overview of the progress made in areas such as certification, advocacy, and education, reaffirming GSA’s commitment to advancing sustainable and ethical seafood production.
Mike Kocsis, CEO of GSA, emphasised the collaborative effort behind the year’s achievements, stating, “I’m inspired by the people who come together to make progress possible. The GSA team remains steadfast in our commitment to continuous improvement, and I’m proud of the work being done to move our mission forward. We’re also fortunate to have fully engaged, world-class partners and stakeholders who believe in the shared value we can create together, which you will see reflected in the report.”
The report details significant growth in GSA’s certification programmes, particularly the Best Aquaculture Practices (BAP) and Best Seafood Practices (BSP). By the end of 2023, the number of certified processing plants, farms, hatcheries, and feed mills had risen to 3,959 across 43 countries, marking an 18 percent increase in the BAP programme compared to the previous year. The expansion of these programmes underscores GSA’s pivotal role in ensuring global seafood safety and sustainability.
New data featured in the report sheds light on various aspects of certification, including the number of non-conformities addressed by certified producers and the percentage of global production volume covered by GSA certifications. The report also breaks down certified farm and plant volumes by species, providing a clearer picture of the impact of GSA’s work on the global seafood industry.
Beyond certification, the 2023 report highlights GSA’s efforts in advocacy and education. These include successful membership drives, consumer marketing campaigns, and key events such as the Responsible Seafood Summit. Additionally, GSA’s media initiatives, including The Advocate magazine and the Aquademia podcast, have continued to play a crucial role in spreading awareness and knowledge about responsible seafood practices.
For more detailed insights, the full 2023 Annual Report is available.