BMPs, GAPs, SOPs

Better Management Practices (BMPs), Good Aquaculture Practices (GAPs or GAqPs) and Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) are sets of protocols and procedures that promote responsible and efficient aquaculture development and the safe, responsible and profitable operation of individual aquaculture facilities. Better Management Practices (BMPs), also termed “Best Management Practices” are “...management practices aimed at increasing both quantity and quality of products taking into consideration food safety, animal health, environmental and socio-economical sustainability” (Arthur and Subasinghe 2008). The term “better” is preferred rather than “best” because aquaculture practices are continuously improving (http://www.enaca.org/modules/tinyd11/index.php?id=6).

   Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) are “...company-specific procedures that describe how Good Manufacturing Process and other food product safety concerns are addressed”, while Good Aquaculture Practices are “..the entire food safety program... including HACCP and SOPs that apply to aquaculture operations”  (JIFSAN 2007).

   BMPs, GAPs and SOPs are now common throughout the entire aquaculture production process, from hatchery rearing to post-harvest processing, and are often specific to a particular species or suite of similar species, to a particular type of aquaculture system, and to a specific geographical region. They have been developed by international or regional intergovernmental organizations, by national agencies (for use by a particular subsector of the national aquaculture industry), by non-governmental organizations (NGOs) or by the aquaculturists themselves, via, for example, producers’ organizations. BMPs, GAPs and SOPs are generally voluntary (but when formally adopted, for example, by an aquaculture producers association, may become binding on its members), and are adopted by a segment of the aquaculture industry (e.g. shrimp farmers, salmon growers, processors) to promote responsible practices among its members. Such protocols also provide solid evidence to governments, communities, consumers and other stakeholders that the industry is addressing their concerns in a positive and proactive manner.

   While BMPs and GAPs often tend to be more general guidance to aquaculture, SOPs are typically sets of procedures that deal with the daily operation of an aquaculture facility (e.g. for shrimp hatcheries – see Inland Water Resources and Aquaculture Service, 2003), and once adopted, must be strictly followed by the employees of the facility. Finally, it should be noted that BMPs, GAPs and SOPs are not always clearly indicated as such; there is considerable overlap between BMPs, GAPs, SOPs and other categories of guidance such as Codes of Practice and “guides” and “training manuals” (see for example the publications listed on the NACA Webpage Better management practices.  Sustainable and more profitable farming; http://www.enaca.org/modules/bmp/index.php?content_id=8).