Applications Sought for Preferred Freezer Services Global Aquaculture Innovation & Leadership Award
The Global Aquaculture Alliance is accepting applications for the Preferred Freezer Services Global Aquaculture Innovation & Leadership Award, the organization announced on May 21.
This is the third consecutive year that GAA has organized the competition and the second consecutive year that Preferred Freezer Services has sponsored the competition. Preferred Freezer Services is also a sponsor of GAA’s GOAL 2015 conference in Vancouver, Canada, from Oct. 26 to 29.
The competition recognizes innovative practices that overcome production challenges or mitigate negative environmental or social impacts at aquaculture farms. The competition also recognizes leadership. Applicants who demonstrate a dedication to the ecosystems and communities in which they operate above and beyond the requirements of government and third-party certification schemes like the Best Aquaculture Practices (BAP) will be considered.
The application deadline has been extended from July 31 to Aug. 15.
To submit a candidate, please click on the hyperlink above, fill out the form and e-mail the application to BAP Standards Coordinator Dan Lee at dangaelle@aol.com. Candidates are asked to send a one- to two-page narrative that includes the names of the author and applicant, the location and description of the facility, and a description of the innovation and its environmental or social benefits. Please include high-resolution digital photographs that illustrate the facility and its innovations.
Innovations can span the full range of farm activities, including wetlands conservation, feed management, water-quality management, effluent reduction, energy reduction, staff training, community relations, animal welfare and health and nutrition. Both individuals and companies performing activities related to aquaculture farming are welcome to submit applications, and third parties may also submit nominations. Although participation in the BAP program is not required, applicants associated with BAP certification will receive preferential review.
The recipient of the award will receive a plaque, an all-expenses paid trip (including registration, airfare, hotel and meal expenses) to GAA’s GOAL 2015 conference and a U.S. $1,000 cash prize. The winner will also get the opportunity to present the innovation at GOAL 2015, in GAA’s Global Aquaculture Advocate magazine and on the GAA website.
The members of the selection committee are Lee, GAA President George Chamberlain, BAP Standards Oversight Committee members Dawn Purchase of the Marine Conservation Society and Michael Tlusty of the New England Aquarium, and one representative of Preferred Freezer Services.
Last year’s winner was Rodrigo Prado, a civil engineer and director of USONIC Ltda. in Puerto Montt, Chile. USONIC’s innovation involved the use of ultrasound to control Chilean sea lice (Caligus rogercresseyi) infestations. In numerous trials, the company showed that the application of ultrasound underwater, directly in fish pens, has a lethal effect on juvenile stages of Caligus rogercresseyi.
About GAA
The Global Aquaculture Alliance is an international, non-profit trade association dedicated to advancing environmentally and socially responsible aquaculture. Through the development of its Best Aquaculture Practices certification standards, GAA has become the leading standards-setting organization for aquaculture seafood.
