ACC Certification

Aquaculture Certification Council, Inc. is a new nongovernmental body established to certify social, environmental and food safety standards at aquaculture facilities throughout the world. This Missouri nonprofit, nonmember public benefit corporation builds on elements of the voluntary Global Aquaculture Alliance Responsible Aquaculture Program in a certification system that combines site inspections and effluent sampling with sanitary controls, therapeutic controls and traceability.

Part of ACC's mission is to help educate the aquaculture public regarding the benefits of applying best management practices and the advancing scientific technology that directs them. By implementing such standards, program participants can better meet the demands of the growing global market for safe, wholesome seafood produced in an environmentally and socially responsible manner.

Aquaculture Certification Council, Inc. offers a "process" rather than "product" certification, with an orientation toward seafood buyers, not consumers. While the ACC program is visually reflected in a "Best Aquaculture Practices" seal, this image is not to be used on seafood product packaging at the retail level.

Although ACC will initially certify only shrimp farms and processing plants, in the future hatcheries and feed mills will be incorporated into the certification program. Once certification is fully established for shrimp, other species will also be included.

Surefish has completed the auditor certification course and now has a certified auditor on staff. If you have questions regarding the Aquaculture Certification Council please contact us at lisa@surefish.com.