Standards-setting organization for aquaculture seafood, The Global Aquaculture Alliance, has chosen GAA board member Jeff Fort to serve as its new chief financial officer.

Effective immediately, Fort will coordinate financial processes, administrative procedures and policies, and technology development for the international non-profit.

"GAA and its Best Aquaculture Practices certification program have been important to me on a personal and business level for many years," Fort said. "I am a large proponent of expanding aquaculture production worldwide, and it must be accomplished using responsible and sustainable methods. Since this is -- and has always been -- GAA's core position, I am happy to help guide its activities going forward."

In addition to his board position with GAA, Fort was an officer and board member of the Aquaculture Certification Council, which initially coordinated the Best Aquaculture Practices program. Fort's Bluecadia Aquaculture Group was a Founding Member of GAA.

Fort holds interests in several national and international companies that produce, process and distribute aquaculture products. He is also a partner at AmericaMeadows.com, a leading online retailer of wildflowers.

"We appreciate Jeff Fort's varied background and keen knowledge of aquaculture, technology and organizational management," GAA Executive Director Wally Stevens said. "He will bring an important new dimension to the global GAA team."