The Sub-Committee on Aquaculture of the Committee on Fisheries, part of the UN Food and Agriculture Organization has finally adopted the first global guidelines for aquaculture certification. Over 50 countries attended the meeting of the sub-committee, which is the only global intergovernmental forum discussing aquaculture development. Now the consumers will benefit from standardized seafood labels as aquaculture is the fastest growing food sector in the world.
According to the information the guidelines, which are non-binding, cover animal health, food safety, the environment and socio-economic issues relating to aquaculture workers. They will now go to the Committee on Fisheries when it meets in Rome in January 2011 for approval. If the guidelines are followed in full by countries, certification will enable consumers standing at the fish counter to know whether the shrimp they are considering buying were raised without damaging a coastal mangrove swamp, whether the fish farm worker was paid a fair wage, and whether the shell fish is free of contamination.
The new guidelines mark the first time animal welfare, environmental issues and socio-economic aspects have been subjected to compliance or certification. FAO aquaculture expert Rohana Subasinghe told that these guidelines have been developed to bring some harmony to what is the fastest growing food sector in the world.
She informed that there was no criteria, no benchmarks or agreed principles. Aquaculture products are globally traded and it is important that we ensure responsible production and consumer satisfaction. The guidelines were finalized after four years of consultation and debate among governments, producers, processors and traders.
