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		The Global Aquaculture Alliance exists both to promote the aquaculture industry and to advance environmental and social responsibility throughout the process of raising, processing and distributing aquaculture products. GAA expects its members and affiliates to adhere to the basic tenets contained in the following.   GUIDING PRINCIPLES FOR RESPONSIBLE AQUACULTURE As presented in the GAA publication "Codes of Practice for Responsible Aquaculture," companies and individuals engaged in aquaculture, singularly and collectively: Shall coordinate and collaborate with national, regional, and local governments in the development and implementation of policies, regulations, and procedures necessary and practicable to achieve environmental, economic, and social sustainability of aquaculture operations. Shall utilize only those sites for aquaculture facilities whose characteristics are compatible with long-term sustainable operation with acceptable ecological effects, particularly avoiding unnecessary destruction of mangroves and other environmentally significant flora and fauna. Shall design and operate aquaculture facilities in a manner that conserves water resources, including underground sources of fresh water. Shall design and operate aquaculture facilities in a manner that minimizes effects of effluent on surface and ground water quality and sustains ecological diversity. Shall strive for continuing improvements in feed use and shall use therapeutic agents judiciously in accordance with appropriate regulations and only when needed based on common sense and best scientific judgment. Shall take all reasonable measures necessary to avoid disease outbreak among culture species, between local farm sites, and across geographic areas. Shall take all reasonable steps to ascertain that permissible introductions of exotic species are done in a responsible and acceptable manner and in accordance with appropriate regulations. Shall cooperate with others in the industry in research and technological and educational activities intended to improve the environmental compatibility of aquaculture. Shall strive to benefit local economies and community life through diversification of the local economy, promotion of employment, contributions to the tax base and infrastructure, and respect for artisanal fisheries, forestry, and agriculture. Global Aquaculture Alliance -- http://www.gaalliance.org  Feeding the World Through Responsible Aquaculture 5661 Telegraph Road, Suite 3A -- St. Louis, Missouri 63129 USA Telephone: 314-293-5500 -- Fax: 314-293-5525 -- E-mail: homeoffice@gaalliance.org [ Site contents copyright 2001 Global Aquaculture Alliance. All rights reserved. ]