Global Pangasius and Bivalve Aquaculture Standards completed

Two sets of global sustainability standards – one for pangasius farming and the other for bivalve farming – were finalised today by the Aquaculture Dialogues.

They were developed over the past three years by 1,000 farmers, scientists, conservationists and others with a shared vision of minimising the negative impact pangasius or bivalve farming can have on the environment, farm workers and surrounding communities.

Most of the pangasius and bivalves consumed worldwide are produced on a farm. Industries for both species are growing rapidly. Pangasius is one of the top sellers in Europe’s white fish market.

More than 600 participants make up the Pangasius Aquaculture Dialogue, responsible for developing the pangasius standards, while the standards for clams, mussels, oysters and scallops are a product of the 400-person Bivalve Aquaculture Dialogue. These comprise two of the eight aquaculture roundtables coordinated by World Wildlife Fund (WWF). The first set of Dialogue standards – for tilapia – was finalised in 2009.

The final standards, which will help address such issues as improper use of chemicals, water pollution and poor working conditions, are focused solely on the key impacts of aquaculture. This approach results in a manageable list of standards, instead of an exhaustive list that may increase the cost of certification and would be harder for small-scale farmers to adopt.

Both Dialogues integrated feedback from more than 400 people during two public comment periods, as well as input provided during Dialogue meetings, to develop the final standards. Also, outreach meetings were held with small-scale pangasius farmers, agriculture farmers and farm employees in Vietnam and Bangladesh, as well as bivalve farmers in China, Australia and Canada.

The certification process for these standards will be overseen by the Aquaculture Stewardship Council (ASC), which is expected to be operational by mid-2011. The standards will be amended regularly to incorporate new science and technology, as well as to encourage continuous improvement on farms.

Click here to watch a video about the pangasius standards.