The Global Aquaculture Alliance (GAA) in early July applauded Walcan Seafood Ltd. for achieving Best Aquaculture Practices (BAP) certification. Walcan Seafood is the exclusive processor of Skuna Bay Vancouver Island Craft Raised Salmon.
Walcan Seafood’s processing plant on Quadra Island, British Columbia, earned BAP certification on July 2, joining the BAP-certified farms that produce Skuna Bay Salmon, which are owned and operated by Grieg Seafood BC Ltd. The first four farms that produce Skuna Bay Salmon earned BAP certification in December 2011.
“We have always said that we are committed to meeting and upholding the Best Aquaculture Practices standards in all Skuna Bay Salmon,” said Dave Mergle, director of Skuna Bay Salmon. “Having our processor join us in this accomplishment by becoming BAP certified is remarkable and demonstrates our commitment to the highest standards.”
“We saw the Global Aquaculture Alliance and Best Aquaculture Practices certification as a natural fit for Skuna Bay. We share the same values and passion for farming and sharing healthful, sustainable salmon,” added Mergle.
Skuna Bay raises its salmon in Nootka Sound off the coast of Vancouver Island. Patented innovations in packaging and an exclusive method of inspecting, selecting, hand cleaning and packing the fish ensure the salmon’s freshness is preserved as it is delivered from the ocean to kitchens across North America.
Established in 1974 as herring bait processor, Walcan Seafood is now the exclusive processor of all of Grieg Seafood BC and Skuna Bay Salmon. In addition to custom processing for other seafood companies, Walcan Seafood processes its own mussels, oysters, clams, scallops, herring, sardines, spot prawns, roe, wild salmon and canned seafood products. The company employs 100 to 150 people, depending on the season.
About BAP
Best Aquaculture Practices is an international certification program based on achievable, science-based and continuously improved performance standards for the entire aquaculture supply chain — farms, hatcheries, processing plants and feed mills — that assure healthful foods produced through environmentally and socially responsible means. BAP certification is based on independent audits that evaluate compliance with the BAP standards developed by the Global Aquaculture Alliance. For more information on BAP, visit www.gaalliance.org/bap.
Source: The Global Aquaculture Alliance
