GAA Reiterates Its Commitment To Social Justice
In light of media reports of worker abuse in the seafood supply chain, the Global Aquaculture Alliance (GAA) reiterates that it’s fully committed to social justice as one of the pillars of its responsible aquaculture program.
Social issues are prominently addressed within GAA’s Best Aquaculture Practices (BAP) third-party certification program. BAP-certified processing plants, farms, hatcheries and feed mills, of which there are more than 700 worldwide, are required to meet standards for adequate wages, a safe and healthy working environment and the prevention of child labor and forced labor.
Since its inception in 1997, GAA has proactively addressed issues by working with stakeholders to find practical solutions that can be implemented quickly and continuously improved over time.
For example, GAA is working collectively with IFFO, Lyons Seafoods Co., Wm Morrison Supermarkets, Tesco, Waitrose, M&J Seafood/Brakes Group and Direct Seafood to address the social concerns related to aquafeed production, agreeing to a position statement last year.
GAA is also working collectively with the Aquaculture Stewardship Council and GLOBALG.A.P. on social concerns, releasing a position statement last year. The three organizations have been collaborating since signing a memorandum of understanding in April 2013.
