A global push is on to certify aquaculture operations, with World Wildlife Fund (WWF) leading the drive.

The WWF has been conducting a series of sessions with key players around the world aimed at the social and environmental sustainability of aquaculture.

By June 2011, an independent body co-founded by the WWF - the Aquaculture Stewardship Council - will be fully set up to do certifications, said Jose Villalon, director of aquaculture for the WWF-US.

That organisation will concentrate on environmental and social criteria, but is also expected to partner with the global food safety organisation to provide "one-stop certification," he said.

"The real driver will come from the retail food service sector. They will be demanding of their food chain to be compliant with the standard," Villalon added.

He said there is already urgent demand for the certification process in European markets.

Aquaculture is the fastest growing food production sector in the world - farmed seafood now represents almost half of what's consumed. By 2040-50, the aquaculture industry will have to increase production 50% from current levels to meet demand, he added.

Sustainability and certification are current issues facing the aquaculture industry, said Aquaculture Association of Canada president Cyr Couturier.

Aquaculture was worth CAD150 million (US$143 million) to the provincial economy last year, he said, adding that while mussel producers may have felt some effect from the recession, farmed salmon prices are at an all-time high because of a downturn in the Chilean industry.