Ecuador business Industrial Pesquera Santa Priscila S.A. (IPSP) has received its first star under the Global Aquaculture Alliance’s Best Aquaculture Practices (BAP) program for its tilapia farm.
A producer-partner to Tropical Aquaculture Products, IPSP is the only farm raising saltwater tilapia, according to the company. The farm weans its fish in ponds that are infused with fresh water from the mountains and salt water from the sea – the result of such parentage is a “sweet, succulent taste,” and “a signature characteristic,” said Tropical Aquaculture Products. Using IPSP's growing techniques, tilapia can also be raised year-round, it said.
In addition to its tilapia, which is also free of added hormones and antibiotics, IPSP is also the largest farmer, processor and exporter of premium Ecuadorian white shrimp.
IPSP said is diligent when it comes to adopting aquaculture practices that keep the environment safe and thriving.
“IPSP prides itself in making sure that its procedures do not harm the environment,” Tropical Aquaculture Products said in a press statement. “In order to do this, the farm implements sophisticated recirculation systems to assure that no water goes to waste. The ponds use polyculture in which both tilapia and shrimp live harmoniously in the same environment. This helps to make better use of the land and create a more natural environment for the tilapia.”
IPSP’s farm has also been certified by the Institute for Marketecology (IMO), and runs in accordance to Whole Foods Market Quality Standards for Farmed Seafood. The company said it would now pursue BAP certification for its hatchery.
