GSA releases updated salmon farm standard with stricter welfare and audit requirements.
The Global Seafood Alliance (GSA) has released Issue 3.0 of its Best Aquaculture Practices (BAP) Salmon Farm Standard. The new version will become mandatory for all certified salmon farms from 5 August 2026.
The updated standard includes expanded requirements around human rights, predator protection, and humane slaughter. It also formalises a two-day audit duration for all salmon farms seeking certification.
Key changes from the previous Issue 2.4 include:
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Additional social responsibility clauses to strengthen human rights protections
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Tighter requirements for diver safety, training, and emergency procedures
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Mandatory use of forage fish dependency ratio (FFDR) as a metric
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Stricter protections for predator and endangered species
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More emphasis on operational welfare indicators and cleaner fish welfare
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Enhanced requirements for humane harvest and biosecurity during transport
The GSA is a non-profit trade association focused on advancing responsible seafood practices globally through third-party certification, education, and advocacy. The organisation was founded in 1997 and is headquartered in Portsmouth, New Hampshire.
