An article by Odd Grydeland in the April 2008 edition of "FishFarming Xpert" provides an overview of the Pacific Organic Seafood Association and its efforts to achieve organic certification for seafood farmed in British Columbia. While organic certification has been established in Quebec and in some countries in Europe, in British Columbia, certification for salmon reared in ocean net pens is resisted by some environmental groups.
A quote from the BCSFA provides an argument for aquaculture organic standards and certification: "Organic standards provide a level playing field for all organic growers, regardless of where they operate [on land or in the ocean]. Truly organic production includes the general principles of organic aquaculture and also set animal welfare and social objectives. Land farms are also open to the environment –wild animals, animal and airborne pests and diseases – in exactly the same way as aquatic farms."
