Friday, May 23, 2014

23/05/14: Global Sustainable Seafood Initiative (GSSI) to Present Benchmark Framework for Evaluating Certifications at WAA14

Beginning a period of stakeholder consultation on a draft of a global Benchmark Framework for seafood certification schemes

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The Global Sustainable Seafood Initiative (GSSI) will be present at the WAA14 to start the consultation on its draft Benchmark Framework for Aquaculture Standards and will host a workshop on the Framework, the first of a series of workshops planned around the globe. 
Delegates at WAA14 are welcome to join the Aquaculture Standards and Certification session on Tuesday June 10 (11:10-17:20) to learn more about GSSI, its mission and progress to date, from it’s Program Manager, Herman Wisse. On June 11th and 12th GSSI will host a consultation workshop to present the draft Benchmark Framework for Aquaculture Standards and begin to collect comments on the various indicators. This session is by invitation only; delegates interested in participating are encouraged to contact Herman Wisse.
The Global Sustainable Seafood Initiative (GSSI) was created to help address sustainability issues in the global seafood supply chain caused by the existing confusion on the large number of seafood certification programs. Through the development of a global benchmarking tool the GSSI will provide recognition to credible certification programs as well as transparency on their performance.
By reducing confusion and providing transparency the GSSI aims to facilitate more efficient decision making and application of seafood certification programs worldwide. The ultimate goal is to ensure confidence in the supply and promotion of sustainable seafood to consumers, and promote improvements in the certification and labelling programs. 
Over the past 12 months the GSSI has worked intensively with stakeholders in the global seafood supply chain, including industry, public institutions, NGO’s, and academia, to develop a first draft of its Benchmarking Tool.  This draft will be released at the WAA14 starting a period of highly-structured stakeholder consultations, including a series of workshops and a pilot testing program, to solicit comprehensive feedback which will be used by the GSSI Expert Working Groups to finalise the Benchmarking Tool. Once finalized, seafood certification programs will be invited to apply for GSSI benchmarking and subsequent recognition.
“WAA14 is a perfect venue for presenting our initial draft of the benchmark framework for aquaculture because it will enable us to connect with the international aquaculture sector of the global seafood supply chain,” said Mr. Wisse.
World Aquaculture Adelaide 2014 is an opportunity for the international aquaculture community to present their research/work, exchange ideas and discuss a vision for the future of the aquaculture industry as they focus on the theme of ‘Create, Nurture, Grow’, reflecting the dynamic nature of aquaculture development in the region.
For more information about GSSI please visit www.ourGSSI.org or contact Herman Wisse at seafood@hermanwisse.nl
The Aquaculturists
This blog is maintained by The Aquaculturists staff and is supported by the magazine International Aquafeed which is published by Perendale Publishers Ltd.

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