In a landmark achievement for the seafood industry, Pacific Seafood has become the first and only company worldwide to offer 4-star Best Aquaculture Practices (BAP) certified oysters and steelhead, setting a new benchmark for sustainable aquaculture production. This unprecedented certification represents a significant milestone in responsible seafood farming, demonstrating the company’s unwavering commitment to environmental stewardship and highest industry standards.

A Legacy of Sustainable Innovation

Founded in 1941, Pacific Seafood has transformed from a small family-owned operation to a leading seafood producer with over 3,000 employees across 41 facilities. The company’s latest certification is a testament to its long-standing dedication to sustainable seafood production and environmental responsibility.

BAP Certification: Raising the Global Standard

The Best Aquaculture Practices (BAP) certification is a rigorous, third-party verification process that evaluates seafood production across multiple critical areas:

• Environmental Responsibility
• Social Accountability
• Food Safety
• Animal Welfare

A 4-star BAP certification represents the highest possible achievement, requiring excellence in all four of these fundamental areas. Pacific Seafood’s accomplishment is particularly noteworthy, as they are the first company to achieve this comprehensive certification for both oysters and steelhead.

Oyster Certification: A Pioneering Achievement

In 2018, Pacific Seafood became the first company to obtain 4-star BAP certification for oysters. This milestone highlights the company’s innovative approach to shellfish farming, demonstrating exceptional practices in:

• Sustainable farming techniques
• Ecosystem preservation
• Waste reduction
• Animal welfare standards

Steelhead Certification: Expanding Sustainable Aquaculture

Building on their oyster success, Pacific Seafood achieved 4-star BAP certification for Columbia River Steelhead in 2021. This certification underscores the company’s comprehensive approach to responsible fish farming, showcasing:

• Advanced aquaculture technologies
• Commitment to local ecosystem preservation
• Highest standards of fish health and welfare
• Transparent and traceable production methods

Industry Impact and Consumer Benefits

The 4-star BAP certification offers significant advantages for both the industry and consumers:

For the Seafood Industry

• Sets new benchmarks for sustainable aquaculture
• Encourages higher environmental and ethical standards
• Provides a model for responsible production practices

For Consumers

• Guarantees responsibly sourced seafood
• Ensures highest food safety standards
• Supports environmentally conscious production methods

Expert Perspectives

Chris Jones, hatchery operations manager at Pacific Seafood, emphasized the significance of this achievement: “At Pacific Seafood we are dedicated to providing the healthiest protein on the planet, which is why having third-party validation by BAP of our entire supply chain for oysters is critical…”

Continuing the Sustainability Journey

Pacific Seafood remains committed to expanding its sustainable practices. The company plans to:

• Continue pursuing additional 4-star BAP certifications
• Invest in innovative aquaculture technologies
• Expand environmentally responsible farming techniques
• Promote transparency in seafood production

The Model for Responsible Seafood Production

Pacific Seafood’s 4-star BAP certification for oysters and steelhead represents more than just an industry achievement. It symbolizes a profound commitment to environmental stewardship, responsible production, and the future of sustainable seafood.