In United States supermarkets and grocers are introducing new standards for the farmed fish and shrimp that make up roughly half of U.S. seafood consumption because the consumer demand for environmentally friendly products has increased. Wal-Mart has established standards for farmed shrimp and certified its factories with the Aquaculture Certification Council. Wegmans worked with Environmental Defense Fund on its farmed-shrimp policy to ban antibiotics, avoid damaging sensitive habitats, treat waste water and reduce the use of wild fish to feed shrimp.
Right from its inception the Aquaculture Certification Council has trained and accredited 113 independent inspectors and auditors from 30 countries. Till date ACC has inspected over 50 farms, certifying 38, and conducted educational seminars for local governments, nongovernmental organizations (NGOs), and industry representatives in 12 countries. In aquaculture value chain sustainable and responsible practices are encouraged at all points.
Due to increased popularity of sustainable fish products ACC has simplified and standardized program application forms and basic facility certification agreements. ACC is working hard to make Best Aquaculture Practices certification the worldwide standard. According to ACC certification has a positive influence on the aquaculture industry, leading to long-term growth and stability for those who practice it.
