Leading the Nation in Responsible Farming
Pacific Seafood continues to lead the industry by example, operating the first oyster and steelhead farms in the United States to achieve 4-star certification from Best Aquaculture Practices (BAP). This milestone marks a new high watermark in responsible seafood production, setting a precedent for farms across the country.
What is 4-Star BAP Certification?
The Global Seafood Alliance’s BAP program awards stars based on four pillars:
1. Hatchery operations
2. Farm management
3. Feed production
4. Processing standards
Pacific’s facilities in Oregon and Washington met all four—something no other U.S. shellfish producer had done at the time of certification.
Environmental and Ethical Accountability
To achieve 4-star status, Pacific invested in:
- Sustainable feed solutions with marine ingredient alternatives
- Advanced water filtration and waste recapture systems
- Independent auditing and continuous improvement protocols
Environmental advocates view the designation as proof that large-scale aquaculture can coexist with ecological responsibility.
Why It Matters to Consumers
For chefs, retailers, and families alike, the 4-star BAP seal means:
- Full traceability from hatchery to harvest
- Strict animal welfare and biosecurity standards
- No use of antibiotics or harmful chemicals
This assurance is especially meaningful in today’s market, where demand for verified, ethically sourced seafood continues to climb.
Supporting Local Economies
These certified farms don’t just benefit consumers—they also create jobs and economic resilience in rural coastal communities. In Oregon and Washington, Pacific employs dozens of people in aquaculture roles tied directly to these BAP-certified systems.
A Model for the Nation
Federal and state aquaculture policy leaders have highlighted Pacific’s BAP success as a model for sustainable growth. As climate change and overfishing challenge wild stocks, responsibly farmed seafood like Pacific’s offers a critical solution.
Aquaculture Advacement
Pacific Seafood is already applying lessons learned from its 4-star systems to future aquaculture developments in other regions. The company aims to replicate this success in steelhead operations elsewhere in the Pacific Northwest and in new shellfish projects in Europe.
With every harvest, Pacific proves that world-class aquaculture can be local, sustainable, and industry-leading.