Sustainable tilapia farming is increasingly becoming a global concern as demand for responsible fisheries products increases. Certification in tilapia farming plays a vital role in ensuring that practices support environmental sustainability, social welfare, and food safety standards. This article will discuss the different types of certification relevant to tilapia farming, including Regal Springs Indonesia’s role in the sustainability of the industry.
The Ultimate Guide to Sustainable Aquaculture
Sustainable aquaculture is based on various international guidelines and frameworks, including:
- The 1995 Code of Conduct for Responsible Fisheries: The first global guide to sustainable fisheries and aquaculture.
- The 2030 Agenda and its SDGs: Highlights the importance of responsible food production in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
- The 2021 COFI Declaration for Sustainable Fisheries and Aquaculture: This declaration strengthens Member States’ commitment to support sustainability in the fisheries sector.
- The FAO Strategic Framework 2022–31 and the Four Betters: Prioritizing better food production, better ecosystems and better lives.
- The FAO Blue Transformation Roadmap 2022-2030: A strategy to accelerate the transformation of fisheries and aquaculture to become more sustainable.
Types of Certification for Tilapia Cultivation
- Safety and Production Management Certification
- BRC (British Retail Consortium) or IFS (International Featured Standards): Focus on Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) to ensure that tilapia products meet international quality and food safety standards.
- Responsible Aquaculture Certification
- ASC Farming (Aquaculture Stewardship Council): This certification ensures that tilapia farming is carried out responsibly, with due regard for the impact on the environment and local ecosystems.
- GAA BAP 4 (Global Aquaculture Alliance Best Aquaculture Practices): This standard covers all aspects of farming, including environmental, social, animal health, and food safety.
- Traceability and Social Compliance Certification
- ASC Chain of Custody: Ensuring traceability of tilapia products from farm to table.
- ASC Social Module: Emphasizing social standards in aquaculture, including worker welfare and community relations.
- Ethical Trading Initiative: Ensuring compliance with social and worker standards in the supply chain.
Regal Springs Indonesia: Sustainable Certification Compliant
Regal Springs Indonesia was the first company in the world to obtain ASC certification for Tilapia in 2012. This achievement is a milestone in the aquaculture industry, demonstrating Regal Springs’ commitment to responsible farming practices.
In addition, since 2013, Regal Springs Indonesia has continued to maintain the EXCELLENCE predicate for the CBIB (Good Fish Farming Practices) certification from the Ministry of Marine Affairs and Fisheries. This certification confirms that tilapia farming at Regal Springs is carried out with high standards, both in terms of environment and product quality.
The Importance of Certification in Tilapia Cultivation
Certification is not only proof that aquaculture practices meet international standards, but also increases the competitiveness of products in the global market. Consumers today are increasingly concerned about the origin and impact of the products they consume, making certification a significant added value.
With its various certifications, Regal Springs Indonesia is a real example of how aquaculture can be carried out responsibly and sustainably. Through this approach, Regal Springs not only meets global market demand but also contributes to environmental preservation and the welfare of the surrounding community.
