BIM strengthens of its sustainable aquaculture standard – CQA
Bord Iascaigh Mhara (BIM) recently hosted the Global Aquaculture Alliance’s annual Global Outlook for Aquaculture Leadership (GOAL) Conference in Croke Park, Dublin. The annual event brings together the world’s leading aquaculture thought leaders, producers and suppliers.
Speaking at the conference, BIM CEO Jim O’Toole said; “BIM is delighted to be the host of this year’s Global Outlook for Aquaculture Leadership Conference which provides a fantastic environment in which those in industry to exchange knowledge for the betterment of the sector.”
At the conference, BIM announced that its quality standard for Irish aquaculture production – Certified Quality Aquaculture (CQA) – will enter the Global Sustainable Seafood Initiative (GSSI) Benchmark Process.
BIM’s CQA supports the production of premium farmed seafood through a focus on quality, organic and eco labelling. The initial BIM CQA Standard Programme was formally launched in October 2001 and as of September 2017 there are 36 certified sites to the Scheme.
The GSSI benchmark is based on United Nations Food and Agriculture Organisation (UN FAO) Guidelines for the Ecolabelling of Fish and Fishery Products. GSSI will give the BIM CQA standard and internationally recognised accreditation.
L to R: Yan Zhao, China Director at Ocean Jade Seafood, Hugh McBride, Marketing Director of McBride Fishing and Jim O’Toole, CEO of BIM.
