7 Reasons to Get Certified to GSA Standards
GSA is the only organization in the world that offers third-party certification programs for both farmed and wild caught seafood. Programs like GSA’s Best Aquaculture Practices (BAP) and Best Seafood Practices (BSP) are more important now than ever before. These programs are recognized worldwide for their rigorous standards and credible third-party auditing process and help producers demonstrate their commitment to responsible practices. Here are seven reasons to get certified to GSA standards:
1. Access New Markets
Major retailers, foodservice companies, and distributors around the globe require or prefer seafood that’s certified to credible standards. By achieving BAP or BSP certification, your business becomes eligible to sell into high-value markets that prioritize responsibly sourced seafood. There are more than 250 retail and food service brands around the world that source seafood from producers certified to GSA standards. View the list here.
2. Comply with International Third-Party Benchmarks
GSA standards are benchmarked by international third-party organizations, which provide a framework to ensure that certification programs are credible and aligned with industry best practices. GSA’s Seafood Processing Standard (SPS) is recognized by the Global Food Safety Initiative (GFSI), GSA’s Farm Standard is recognized by the Global Sustainable Seafood Initiative (GSSI) and the Responsible Fishing Vessel Standard (RFVS) is recognized by the Sustainable Supply Chain Initiative (SSCI) for at-sea operations.
3. Showcase Your Commitment to Continuous Improvement
GSA standards aren’t static—they evolve with science and industry best practices. Certification means you’re committed to progress, not just compliance. This culture of continuous improvement can set your company apart and drive innovation within your operation. In fact, in 2024, producers certified to GSA standards made a total of 8,212 improvements to their operations. BAP is also the only program in the world that has standards that cover the entire aquaculture production chain, including the processing plant, farm, hatchery and feed mill.
4. Use BAP and BSP Logos in Your Marketing Without Additional Fees 
Once your facility attains certification, you can use the BAP or BSP label without having to pay additional logo licensing fees, which is something that differentiates the BAP and BSP programs from other seafood certification programs. To learn more about how you can use the BAP or BSP label in your marketing, contact our team here.
5. Stand Out in a Competitive Marketplace
With hundreds of seafood products competing for shelf space, certification is a key differentiator. Products from BAP- and BSP-certified producers carry a label that signals responsibility to buyers and consumers alike. It’s more than a seal: it’s a signal of trust. In fact, when surveyed, almost half of consumers said they have favorable views of retailers who display the BAP label, and 64% would choose products with the BAP label over other proteins (Source: Changing Tastes, 2021).
6. Align with Global Sustainability Goals
From the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals to corporate ESG targets, sustainability is a worldwide priority. GSA programs support several of these goals—including responsible production, life below water, decent work, and reduced inequalities—helping your business stay aligned with global expectations.
7. Join a Global Community
When you attain certification, you become a member of GSA and part of a growing global community. Certified producers get access to discounts to GSA’s annual Responsible Seafood Summit as well as marketing and educational resources.
Ready to Start Your Certification Journey?
Contact our team here to learn more about BAP and BSP and to get started on your certification journey.
