PUBLIC STATEMENT OF CONTINUED GSSI RECOGNITION

The Global Sustainable Seafood Initiative (GSSI) is pleased to announce the continued recognition of the Best Aquaculture Practices (BAP) program following the successful completion of the Monitoring of Continued Alignment Process, as outlined in the GSSI Benchmark Procedures.

GSSI’s Continued Recognition of BAP

The BAP Farm Standard (version 3.1, 2021), Salmon Farm Standard (version 2.4, 2016), and Mollusk Farm Standard (version 1.2, 2021) obtained GSSI recognition in November 2023. Following assessment against Sections A (Governance), B (Operational Management) and C (Aquaculture) of the GSSI Global Benchmark Tool v2.0.

GSSI’s Monitoring of Continued Alignment (MOCA) of the abovementioned aquaculture standards commenced in April 2025. Following a Desktop Review as set out in the GSSI Benchmark Operating Procedures, the participating Independent Experts recommended continued recognition of the standards. This recommendation was endorsed by the Benchmark Committee and approved by the GSSI Steering Board in April 2026.

GSSI’s Monitoring of Continued Alignment

The GSSI Monitoring of Continued Alignment (MOCA) process is part of GSSI’s oversight mechanism, designed to ensure that recognised schemes continue to meet the requirements of the GSSI Global Benchmark Tool between full re-assessments. MOCA takes place annually and is a key element of maintaining recognition.

The process begins with a self-assessment by the Scheme Owner, reporting any changes in the scheme’s ownership, governance, management systems, or normative documents (such as standards, guidance, or procedures). Based on this report, the Independent Experts (IEs) conduct a targeted Desktop Review to assess whether the scheme remains in alignment with GSSI’s Essential Components.

The IEs focus on two main areas:

1. Identification of changes in reference documents or scheme ownership/management to evaluate whether any updates affect alignment with the GSSI Benchmark Tool.

1. Verification of continued implementation, using recent audit reports and supporting documentation to confirm the scheme is functioning as described.

The Independent Experts submit a written recommendation to the Benchmark Committee. The Benchmark Committee reviews the findings and provides its own recommendation. The final decision is made by the GSSI Steering Board, followed by a public announcement.

GSSI’s Global Benchmark Tool 

GSSI’s Global Benchmark Tool provides formal recognition of seafood certification schemes that successfully complete a rigorous and transparent Benchmark Process. The Tool is underpinned by the FAO Code of Conduct for Responsible Fisheries, the FAO Guidelines for Ecolabelling of Fish and Fishery Products from Marine/Inland Capture Fisheries and the FAO Technical Guidelines for Aquaculture Certification. The Global Benchmark Tool aims to minimize the overall environmental impact of how we produce, catch and supply seafood to meet a growing global demand.