BAP Fosters Mexico’s Heightened Interest In Responsible Aquaculture
Marcos Moya, manager of supply development for the Best Aquaculture Practices (BAP) third-party certification program, addressed more than 70 attendees including shrimp farmers, hatchery operators and processing plant operators in Ciudad Obregon, Mexico, in late May. At the industry-organized event, the shrimp farming and processing industry in the Mexican states of Sonora and Sinaloa was briefed on the benefits of third-party certification and the value of responsible aquaculture to the marketplace.
There’s heightened interest in BAP certification in Mexico, where, currently, there are 17 BAP-certified aquaculture facilities, including two of the country’s largest integrated shrimp producers, two large feed mills and six tilapia facilities (three farms, two processing plants and one hatchery). Additionally, 10 to 15 shrimp farms, two to three shrimp processing plants and two to three shrimp hatcheries are expected to attain BAP certification, and two feed mills are already in process of BAP certification.
The event was sponsored by shrimp producers and exporters Ocean Garden Products, Manta Bay and Delta Blue Aquaculture.
“What we did in Mexico last week demonstrates the country’s commitment to responsible aquaculture. Industry leaders are stepping up and guiding other producer to demonstrate responsible aquaculture through BAP certification. Mexico is committed to continue to grow its tradition for shrimp quality and sustainability,” said Marcos Moya, manager of supply development for BAP.
