Global Seafood Alliance tightens feed mill standard to boost traceability, sustainability

GLOBAL – The Global Seafood Alliance (GSA) has unveiled a new version of its Best Aquaculture Practices (BAP) Feed Mill Standard, introducing tougher requirements for ingredient sourcing and supply chain transparency in aquaculture feed production.

The revised standard, known as Issue 3.3, will take effect on November 17, 2025. From that date, all BAP-certified feed mills must comply with the updated rules. GSA said the changes were developed over more than a year of stakeholder consultations “with the goal of modernizing the standard to meet marketplace expectations.”

Stronger rules for key ingredients

The new requirements center on three critical feed ingredients: fishmeal and fish oil, soy, and palm oil. For marine ingredients, GSA has set clear targets for responsible sourcing, with 90% required to come from certified sources by 2028 and full compliance by 2031.

For soy, feed mills will be required to prepare a sourcing plan by 1 January 2026 that outlines how they will transition toward using only deforestation- and conversion-free (DCF) soy. 

While no deadline has been set for complete adoption, mills must provide both a written commitment and a timeline to demonstrate progress.

Palm oil sourcing has also been tightened, with enhanced traceability checks and stricter verification of oil blends purchased from third-party manufacturers. GSA said these measures are designed to increase transparency across the supply chain.

Traceability and accountability

In addition to sourcing rules, the updated standard strengthens traceability and reporting systems. Feed mills will be required to provide more rigorous documentation to verify the origins of their ingredients, particularly when purchasing blended oils. 

A new glossary of key terms has also been added to reduce ambiguity and ensure consistent application of the rules.

The Global Seafood Alliance, an international nonprofit trade association, has long positioned itself as a leader in setting standards for responsible seafood production. 

Through its BAP certification programs, the organization provides third-party assurances for both wild and farmed seafood.

By tightening its feed mill standard, GSA aims to push the aquaculture industry toward greater accountability on ingredient use while aligning with global sustainability and deforestation-free commitments.

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