The Global Aquaculture Alliance (GAA) on Thursday announced Belize Aquaculture as the first shrimp company in Belize and the second in Central America to earn three-star Best Aquaculture Practices (BAP) certification.
The company’s shrimp hatchery, farm and processing plant in Stann Creek District all earned the certification in late July.
Belize Aquaculture produced 4.5 million pounds of Pacific white shrimp in 2012 and is on track to produce 10 million pounds in 2014 across 68 four-acre ponds.
“The three-star certification is a recognition of our company’s consistent efforts to innovate and improve the quality of our products and the sustainability of our practices,” said David Flemming, Belize Aquaculture director. “As a company, we are confident that our buyers and customers will acknowledge the value of this certificate and our commitment toward quality, environment and social development.”
In addition, GAA announced Guangdong Gourmet Aquatic Products’ processing plant attained one-star BAP certification.
The facility processes farmed shrimp, tilapia and golden pompano. The certification makes the company the first to be able to offer one-star pompano.
Guangdong Gourmet Aquatic Products produces about 20,000 metric tons of farmed shrimp, tilapia, golden pompano and other farmed seafood species annually. The company’s products are sold to retail and foodservice customers primarily in Australia, the United States, Canada and Mexico.
