Murray Cod Australia (MCA) proudly announced a few days ago that the company is now 3-Star Best Aquaculture Practices (BAP) certified. This certification covers their farms, processing facility and feed recognizing their commitment to responsible aquaculture across the full production chain. “Our team is committed to producing responsibly farmed, high-quality Murray cod, and this certification marks an important step forward, strengthening our practices and supporting access to markets that value verified standards,” they after the release of the news.
This marks a significant milestone in sustainable aquaculture and opening new avenues in international markets. MCA’s CEO, Ross Anderson, emphasized the significance of this achievement, stating: “Obtaining BAP certification is a testament to our dedication to responsible aquaculture and opens doors to new markets that value responsible farmed seafood production.”
BAP is a globally recognized, independent certification program that assesses producers against rigorous standards in environmental responsibility, animal welfare, food safety, and social accountability. The program is the world’s most comprehensive third-party aquaculture certification, covering the entire production chain including farm, hatchery, feed mill, and processing plant — and the four pillars of responsible seafood: environmental responsibility, social accountability, food safety, and animal health and welfare. BAP certification not only supports responsible sourcing goals for retailers and foodservice providers worldwide, but it also builds consumer trust.
Recognized by More Than 200 Leading Institutions
Recognized by more than 200 leading companies and aligned with international sustainability benchmarks such as the GFSI, GSSI, and the UN Sustainable Development Goals, BAP ensures rigorous standards are met and any non-conformities resolved before certification. Aquna’s BAP certification demonstrates dedication to responsible growth, product quality, and ethical aquaculture practices, offering confidence to both customers and consumers in every bite.
MCA’s recent achievements include a 298% year-on-year increase in biomass and a 33.5% rise in customer receipts for Q4 FY25. The company has also expanded its Australian retail footprint, doubling its presence in Woolworths stores across New South Wales and Victoria.
The BAP certification is expected to further enhance MCA’s Environmental, Social, and Governance strategy, appealing to investors focused on sustainable and ethical business practices. Additionally, it positions MCA to meet the growing global demand for certified sustainable seafood, particularly in markets like Southeast Asia and the Middle East.
One of the Lowest Environmental Footprints in the Industry
Murray Cod Australia is the world’s leading producer of premium sustainably grown Murray cod, grown on innovative farms located in the Murray-Darling basin in New South Wales – the fish’s native environment. Their story began over seven years ago when a collective of pioneering irrigators established an aquaculture industry from scratch, approximately 550 kilometers from the nearest ocean, shaping a future for Australia’s native fish, which boasts an extraordinary history.
Their brand name, Aquna, is derived from the word “Akuna” – an Australian aboriginal word meaning “the way forward” and “flowing water”. “We have used the letter ‘q’, as it provides synergy with aquaculture and represents our dedication to innovation,” they explain.
They grow high-quality Murray cod in open ponds (or dams) on the Murray-Darling Basin river system – the fish’s native environment. These ideal conditions create a clean-tasting, snow-white, and flaky flesh. Its versatile qualities and delicate flavor make Aquna a truly versatile fish for various cooking methods, whether pan-seared, baked, steamed, or grilled.
With a commercial fishing ban on wild Murray cod, and an increasing appetite for the iconic fish, Aquna has responded by developing a versatile ingredient that gives chefs new and flexible ways of including white-fleshed Murray cod on the menu.
By using a land-based aquaculture model, Aquna has one of the lowest environmental footprints in the industry. In January 2017, Aquna, which trades as Murray Cod Australia, was publicly listed on the Australian Securities Exchange (MCA:ASX).
“Our vision is to make sustainably-farmed Murray cod the fine-dining fish of choice in Australasia and around the globe. Our mission is to produce great-tasting Murray cod, fully traceable from pond to plate, in a way that’s respectful to the environment, our growers, and community,” they assure.
