Aquaculture Certification - SEAFOOD Ecolabelling: Principles and Practice - page 118

the Americas. It has expanded steadily since its inception and now comprises 1100
members in 70 countries, including individuals, associations and companies. The
GAA has become the most prominent industry organisation representing the global
aquaculture business. Its success as a trade association has been built around its
long-term view of the best interests of the aquaculture industry, in which issues
affecting sustainability have been given priority over short-term financial consid-
erations. The organisation has found an important niche for itself and taken on a
variety of roles, acting as a unifying force for a large, diverse industry. The principal
role is the promotion of its Responsible Aquaculture Program - a combination of
general codes of conduct and specific aquaculture standards based on a synthesis of
BMPs. The GAA also promotes debate inside and outside the industry, organises
conferences, and publishes technical and scientific information. It provides a forum
for addressing the main issues affecting the industry and it has been a vigorous ad-
vocate of free trade, upholding the interests of consumers and developing countries
in trade disputes.
Along with promoting responsible aquaculture, the GAA also advocates for
the social and economic benefits of aquaculture through a balanced appraisal of
available information. On the one hand this involves increasing awareness of the
realities of aquaculture, and on the other hand it involves challenging critics when
they make unsubstantiated claims or gross exaggerations. Scientific and technical
knowledge are driving progress in the aquaculture industry, by improving the health
and nutrition of farmed species, and by reducing stress, disease and the use of
antibiotics. And new technologies, new breeds and newly domesticated species offer
great hope for the future. This is an important message to deliver and the GAA makes
use of three main vehicles: the bimonthly magazine Global Aquaculture Advocate ;
the website www.gaalliance.org; and the annual meeting - 'Global Outlook for
Aquaculture Leadership' (GOAL).
The Global Aquaculture Advocate initially focused on aspects of production but
it has broadened its appeal by extending coverage up and down the supply chain
and it is now styled as 'the global magazine for farmed seafood'. Articles typically
cover the following subject areas: free trade; marketing; seafood safety; value-added
products; production; feeds and nutrition; seed stock; and health management. The
GAA website is a convenient source of information on the structure and activities
of the organisation; its principles, vision and function; membership; the Respon-
sible Aquaculture Program; the GAA stance on a whole range of issues such as
mangrove protection and fishmeal usage; and critical comment on press articles
and anti-aquaculture campaigns by other groups. The annual meeting, GOAL, is
designed to interest key players in the seafood industry, including retailers, major
buyers, processors and producers. It provides a stage for presentations analysing
global production and marketing trends, and presents an opportunity for indus-
try members to interact and discuss strategies to overcome obstacles. The GAA
uses these gatherings of influential people to raise the profile of its Responsible
Aquaculture Program and to promote other parts of its mission.