Canadian Aquaculture Standards Forum (CASF)

The Canadian Aquaculture Standards Forum (CASF) is dedicated to the advancement of common understanding, dialogue, and capacity building for all participating stakeholders related to standards and certification. It was initiated in response to the Canadian industry’s need to gain a better understanding of the range of options and developments related to standards and certification. It is an initiative led by the Canadian Aquaculture Industry Alliance (CAIA). The Canadian aquaculture industry is committed to continuous improvement in providing safe, quality seafood in a sustainable manner. Standards and certification programs are becoming increasingly important as a means for industry to objectively demonstrate their commitment and adherence to production excellence across a range of indicators.

Global Standards & Certification

Canadian Shellfish and Finfish Farmers Meet with DFO and retailers

(February 2009 Workshop, Toronto)

Ottawa – March 9, 2009 – Canadian aquaculture industry leaders met in Toronto late February to discuss global standards and certification program options and opportunities. Increasingly, industries are voluntarily subjecting themselves to independent third party audit programming to confirm they operate to established and agreed upon standards. The Canadian shellfish and finfish farmers are confident their responsible production methods would meet such objective testing.

“In this evolving global marketplace, demonstrating adherence to a high level of audited standards not only shows industry’s commitment to sustainable practices, but it can also be an important market advantage,” says Ruth Salmon, Executive Director of the Canadian Aquaculture Industry Alliance (CAIA). “It was encouraging to see the Canadian industry so well represented at this meeting – it shows they are taking these developments very seriously.”

During the meetings, North American seafood buyers (retailers and foodservice), Canadian Government regulators, international industry representatives, and standards and certification programming experts presented their views. Speakers such as Peter Redmond - a past Wal-Mart USA Vice President (Seafood) - confirmed the importance of achieving and maintaining appropriate certification.

The development of comprehensive aquaculture standards is relatively new, but several globally approved and reputable options do exist. Others such as the World Wildlife Fund and Global Aquaculture Alliance, remain in the developmental stages.

In response to the importance of global standards and certification, CAIA will actively promote the establishment of an ongoing industry/government forum for education and information exchange. “We are very pleased that the Canadian industry is showing leadership in this important area,” says Ms. Salmon, “In fact, some Canadian aquaculture companies have already implemented a comprehensive certification program, and others are proactively exploring their options.”

View the PowerPoint presentations:

Global Aquaculture Standards & Certification:
Understanding the Implications for Canada
February 24/25, 2009
(PPT 446 KB)

International Industry Perspective: Standards and Certification
Toronto 25 February 2009 Dr. Petter Arnesen, Vice President Feed & Environment Marine Harvest ASA
(PPT 14.6 MB)

Standards Requirements and Measurement Criteria
Dave Garforth – Technical Director IFQC GLOBAL
(PPT 304 KB)

Aquaculture Dialogues
Katherine Bostick, WWF Aquaculture Standards Workshop
February 25, 2009
(PPT 2.2 MB)