Aquaculture for all

Murray Cod Australia lands 3-star certification

Certification Freshwater fish +2 more

Murray Cod Australia (MCA) has announced that it has obtained 3-star Best Aquaculture Practices (BAP) certification for farm, feed and its processing facility, opening new avenues in international markets.

Two dead fish with labels on them.
Murray Cod Australia sells their produce under the Aquna brand

The Murray cod (Maccullochella peelii) is Australia's largest freshwater fish © Murray Cod Australia

BAP covers the entire production chain - including farm, hatchery, feed mill and processing plant - and the four pillars of responsible seafood: environmental responsibility, social accountability, food safety, and animal health and welfare.

Recognised by more than 200 leading companies and aligned with international sustainability benchmarks such as the GFSI, GSSI, and the UN Sustainable Development Goals, BAP aims to ensure that rigorous standards are met and any non-conformities resolved before certification. 

According to MCA, its certification "demonstrates dedication to responsible growth, product quality, and ethical aquaculture practices, offering confidence to both customers and consumers in every bite".

MCA's recent achievements include a 298 percent year-on-year increase in biomass and a 33.5 percent rise in customer receipts for Q4 FY25. The company has also expanded its Australian retail footprint, doubling its presence in Woolworths stores across New South Wales and Victoria. 

The BAP certification is expected to further enhance MCA's environmental, social and governance strategy, appealing to investors focused on sustainable and ethical business practices. Additionally, it positions MCA to meet the growing global demand for certified sustainable seafood, particularly in markets like Southeast Asia and the Middle East. 

As MCA's CEO, Ross Anderson, noted in a press release: "Obtaining BAP certification is a testament to our dedication to responsible aquaculture and opens doors to new markets that value responsible farmed seafood production."