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Vol. 6, No. 1: January 2015  
Acuícola Gemso: First Tilapia Farm to Attain BAP Certification in Mexico

 

 

At the end of December 2014, our partner farm in Mexico, Acuícola Gemso S.A. de C.V. ("Gemso") received Best Aquaculture Practices (BAP) certification, making Gemso the first Mexican tilapia farming operation certified under the BAP standard.


Gemso utilizes a cage system in the Plutarco Elias Calles "El Novillo" Reservoir, East of Hermosillo, Sonora, Mexico. El Novillo Reservoir is an ideal location for tilapia farming due to its low aquaculture activity, which is a key component to the healthy cultivation of fish. 

As part of the BAP program, the farm constantly monitors water quality. If needed, corrective actions are taken in the case that one of the quality checkpoints has been affected. Additionally, all aquaculture activity in the reservoir is managed and restricted by the Mexican government. 

Gemso initiated its tilapia operations nearly 5 years ago. Their first harvest imported to the U.S. market occurred in mid-February 2014 and today Gemso is one of the main sources of employment for the rural towns surrounding Gemso's site. 

The processing facility is located a short distance from the farm, guaranteeing speedy processing and excellent quality. The plant is equipped to process deep-skinned, fully trimmed premium quality tilapia fillets as well as whole fish.

All products are free of any and all preservatives and gasses that may alter, extend or prolong natural color or shelf-life. Construction efforts are currently underway for a new, state-of-the-art processing facility that should open by early 2015.

One of the largest advantages of this facility is its proximity to the U.S. market. Less than 16 hours to Los Angeles by truck, Gemso provides the freshest BAP Certified tilapia available to the West Coast.

Both Gemso and Tropical are committed to providing tilapia that is of superior quality and complies with and exceeds established social and environmental parameters. By implementing the BAP certification requirements, Acuícola Gemso ensures sustainable management of the tilapia farm without affecting its natural surroundings and rather, maximizes the benefits offered by its surroundings.

BAP certified tilapia from Gemso is available to the West Coast market following normal specifications.

Call us today to place your order
(800) 277-3459
Introducing Scottish Organic Salmon from the Shetland Islands
 
In order to bring you a year-round supply of fresh Organic salmon, we work with premium, organic certified farms that are strategically located in multiple locations. This month, we will begin offering fresh Organic Salmon produced in Shetland.

Shetland, also called the Shetland Islands, is a subarctic archipelago of Scotland and lies northeast of the Island of Great Britain. Here, the fast-flowing clear water not only maintains a clean seabed, but also allows a natural habitat for salmon to swim against the tide, developing the strongest and healthiest of fish. 

Our Scottish Organic Salmon is produced by the largest salmon production company in Sheltland with 23-active growout licenses. All rearing, processing and packing standards are certified by the Organic Food Federation, Naturland and Freedom Foods. 

When raising an Organic Scottish Salmon, priority is given to the health and wellbeing of each fish and to the farm's surrounding environment. 

Each fish is fed an organically certified diet that contains:
  • No synthetically produced pigments
  • Fishmeal produced from the off-cuts of sustainable fisheries for human consumption
  • Vegetable ingredients that are of Organic origin only
  • Lower oil levels than conventional feed, leading to a slower growing, leaner fish
  • Vitamins and minerals from natural origins
The salmon are raised in a low-density environment fully exposed to strong ocean currents. The stocking density in the net pens is 10 kilograms per m3 rather than the industry standard of 20 kilograms per m3.

Growing conditions comply with strict quality control and safety standards as well as complete traceability from egg to plate. With three-weekly harvests, Organic Salmon from Shetland arrives fresh into JFK and is immediately distributed throughout the East Coast - allowing absolute freshness and optimum quality. 

Scottish Organic Salmon is available in 20 Lbs. boxes in sizes of:

WEIGHTWhole SalmonD-Trim Fillet
4-5 kg
X

5-6 kg
X

6-7 kg
X

3-4 lb
X
4-5 lb
X








Call us today to place your order!
(800) 277-3459
Q: Where does dried cod originate from? 
 
A: Dried and salted cod has been produced in Norway, Newfoundland, Iceland and the Faroe Islands for over 500 years. Nutritious fresh cod was originally dried to keep from spoiling during long, exploratory voyages. While the taste might have been cringe-worthy, the treated meat could remain edible for up to seven years. 

Whole Roasted Salmon with Orange Butter Glaze
 
Think Whole Roast!
Roasting a whole fish is easier than it looks. In this recipe, a whole salmon is stuffed with cilantro, orange and onion to create a flavorful main course. 
Click here for the recipe.
 
Staff Notes

Staff_NotesThis month Rosie Barmann, Administrator - A/R, celebrated her 15th year working at the Tropical office. Ingrid Wisell, Administrative Assistant, reached her 6th year anniversary with the team. Congratulations to both and Thank You for your hard work! 

We  also welcomed Hunter Shaffer, to the Tropical team.

Hunter is from Rhode Island. He grew up on the water; sailing, swimming, kayaking and adventuring. He is into science and has a degree in Aquaculture. Say hello to Hunter next time you call the Tropical office. Welcome to the team!


Later in the month, on January 16th, Shari Williams, Staff Accountant, will be celebrating her birthday. We wish you a Happy Birthday!
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