Global Aquaculture Standards & Certification: Understanding the Implications for Canada February 24/25, 2009

How We Got Here May 2008 Workshop: Key Results Need for Clarity: What is meant by sustainability, standards and certification? Urgent Need: Improve and streamline federal/provincial environmental regulation governing aquaculture. Collaboratively Establish: Collective goals and strategies for certification to be led by industry and supported by government. Define Roles: Industry and Government, especially vis- a-vis third party certification. Address Financing Questions: How will producers bear the costs and achieve ROI? Linked Information Campaign: Industry and government need to inform and educate retailers and consumers about the quality and sustainability of aquaculture in Canada.

How We Got Here May 2008 Workshop: “How to Proceed” 1.Unanimous Agreement: a)Governments’ top priority is Regulatory reform, plus active promotion of awareness in markets of what Canadian government regulations deliver. 2.Majority Agreement: a)Communication activities are vital, including web sites discussing the strength of Canadian regulations, with respect to sustainability 3.Majority Agreement: a)Canadian leadership and influence in international aquaculture market-certification (e.g. WWF, FAO, ISO) to protect and position Canada as a leader in proving sustainability of its products

4.Majority Agreement: a)Development of market and sector intelligence a priority b)Caveat that industry should be directly involved in development of projects. 5.Mixed Opinions (50/50 split): a)Develop certification programs in partnership with stakeholders - in a manner that promotes a pan-Canadian or national image of the regulatory environment 6.Majority Agreement: a)Consider Industry/government collaboration on the development of generic materials and/or information to support individual companies. 7.Majority Agreement: a)Concept of developing a Canadian Statement of Sustainable Practice to which industry would commit. Viewed as a collaborative effort having government endorsement at the end. May 2008 Workshop: “How to Proceed”

Canadian Aquaculture Standards Forum Transparent, industry/government partnership to address key certification issues and help build capacity Provide industry with appropriately developed approaches and options related to Standards and Certification “Communication Hub” around standards & certification GENERAL OBJECTIVE Guarantee and heighten long-term marketability of Canadian aquaculture products by meeting supply chain requirements with respect to quality and sustainable sourcing standards.

Canadian Aquaculture Standards Forum Managed and directed by CAIA, in partnership with government Oversight from a Project Management Team Assistance from IFQC (International Involvements, Experience, and Market Intelligence)

CASF Project Management Team Ruth SalmonExecutive Director CAIA Brian FortuneAtlantic Aqua Farms Partnership Brian MeaneyADM Aquaculture, DFA Newfoundland and Labrador Richard HarryExecutive Director, Aboriginal Aquaculture Association (AAA) Trevor SwerdfagerAquaculture Director, DFO Mary Ellen WallingExecutive Director, BCSFA Bev BaconIndependent QMS Consultant Linda SamsCEO, B.C. Centre for Aquatic Health Sciences Mike Rose (Ex Officio)IFQC (Canada)

3 Key Roles of Canadian Aquaculture Standards Forum: #1: Education Promote common and shared understandings of existing and emerging aquaculture standards and certification processes. Prepare for long-term environment which features numerous interoperable standards and certification options.

Key Role of Canadian Aquaculture Standards Forum #2: Leadership Actively participate in - and Lead - Sustainability Agenda (Instead of Being Controlled by External Agendas) Provide Industry with “Clear Choices” Assist DFO (Governments) with relevant and orderly programming – a sounding board for government around standards & certification

Role of Canadian Aquaculture Standards Forum #3: Technical Expertise Form sector specific, technical Working Groups as needed Provide specific analysis and recommendations to allow sectors and companies to make informed choices

Canadian Aquaculture Standards Forum Therefore, How We Got Here …? May 2008 Workshop: “How to Proceed” February 2009 Workshop CASF a Direct Response to “All” May 2008 Recommendations On “How to Proceed” f

February 2009 Workshop Objectives: A. Continuing Education Expand your understanding of standards & certification Help to identify and assess the value of standard & certification programs Identify range of Industry Options – provide clarity around what suits your needs? B. Clarify Future Direction & Next Steps

Workshop Agenda Speakers Keynote Industry Presentation over lunch Breakout Session –Shellfish & Finfish –Range of Options of Standards & Certification Programs –Discuss options for Moving Forward Plenary (3:15 – 3:30pm) - Breakout Session Feedback, Discussion & Action Steps

Moving Forward: possible action steps  Continue information flow through CASF  Clarify roles for industry & government – who does what?  Technical Working Groups Identified (shellfish/finfish)  Determine by sector &/or region readiness for a range of programs (via mock audits / benchmarking)  Establish goals/strategies/plan for each sector  Development of National Principles  Communication Activities (generic materials to support certification) / Website

Moving Forward: possible action steps?  Linked information campaign – gov’t & industry  Canadian leadership in international processes (WWF, ISO, FAO)  Market Sector intelligence  Other