GAA, IDH reinforce and strengthen collaborative ties

The Global Aquaculture Alliance (GAA) and IDH (The Sustainable Trade Initiative) are planning to further their collaborative relationship moving forward with the construction and implementation of an iBAP “pillar” to be nestled within the IDH-operated FIT Fund, the pair announced at the Seafood Expo North America (SENA) event, held in Boston, on 7 March.

Acting as an “implementation partner,” GAA will be in charge of technical supervision and monitoring as well as the reporting and execution of the iBAP projects qualifying for the FIT Fund, which was incepted to spur change and co-fund aquaculture improvement worldwide.

“IDH endorses GAA’s iBAP program as it supports producers to move towards more responsible farming practices by achieving BAP certification. Key issues for our FIT Fund are health management and feeding practices, both are captured within the BAP standard. We look forwards to developing this partnership and expanding the joint impact of our programs,” said Aldin Hilbrands, IDH Aquaculture Program Director, of the partners’ intentions.

“IDH has such great experience in creating and co-funding successful aquaculture improvement programs through so many sectors worldwide. With their experience and support we can get many more facilities to enroll into iBAP. The beauty of this partnership is being able to move quickly into training on the ground and help facilities progress quickly and onto successful certification,” added GAA Development Director Iain Shone.

Eighty-two facilities around the world have enrolled in iBAP since it launched in February 2015. As of now, there are 24 facilities enrolled in iBAP, representing eight countries (Brazil, China, Ecuador, Mexico, Panama, Peru, Thailand and Vietnam) and five species (barramundi, pangasius, shrimp, tilapia and trout) as well as aquaculture feed, reported GAA.