Qionghai Zhongpingzi Grobest tilapia farm and Chengmai Xingyuan Development have become the first Chinese farms to achieve the Aquaculture Stewardship Council (ASC).
The farms were recognised for achievements and initiative in tackling some of the major challenges facing tilapia farming in China.
"We are pleased that Qionghai Zhongpingzi Grobest has passed the assessment against the ASC Tilapia Standard,” said Mr Yang Huaying, deputy executive director of Hainan Sky-Blue Ocean Foods.
“The ASC certification allows us to prove to our customers that we are committed to responsible aquaculture,” he added.
The achievement of the farms and their respective processers Hainan Xiangtai Fisheries Co., Ltd and Hainan Sky-Blue Ocean Foods Co. Ltd was celebrated on 3 November during the Sustainable Seafood Forum in Qingdao.
Qionghai Zhongpingzi Grobest tilapia farm and Chengmai Xingyuan Development were the first to meet the ASC Tilapia Standards among a number of farms that undertook the assessments. A third tilpia farm, Wenchang Zhou Qinfu, has been assessed and hopes to also be certified soon.
The certifications mark China’s contribution towards a global market for responsibly produced seafood.
Dr Cui He, executive vice president of the China Aquatic Products Processing and Marketing Alliance (CAPPMA), said: "I would like to congratulate the Qionghai Zhongpingzi Grobest and Chengmai Xingyuan Development Co. Ltd for becoming the first tilapia farms in China to meet the rigorous requirements of the ASC Tilapia Standard.”
He added: “CAPPMA has been diligently working with ASC and WWF China to promote responsible aquaculture in China. This is a major step towards responsible aquaculture in this important market."
