© Sustainable Shrimp Partnership
The Sustainable Shrimp Partnership (SSP) and the National Chamber of Aquaculture (CNA) have officially launched the Scale Up Programme for shrimp hatcheries, as part of the 2024 Santa Elena AquaExpo convention. The project aims to promote the sustainable sourcing of shrimp larvae, while also boosting recognition for hatcheries committed to improving both the quality of their product and their environmental and social impact.
“The Scale Up Programme emerges as a measure to elevate the standards of shrimp aquaculture and ensure that this activity adheres to sustainability principles throughout its entire production chain, including the initial stage,” said Pamela Nath, director of SSP, in a press release announcing the Programme.
“With this plan, we aim to guide and provide tools to shrimp hatcheries to implement efficient and responsible practices in all their operations," Nath added.
As part of the Programme, guidelines for the establishment of regulations for sustainable shrimp larvae production were developed. The guiding principles of the manual focus on compliance with current regulations, ensuring adequate infrastructure, responsible resource utilisation, storage, sanitation, biosecurity, environmental impact, and social responsibility.
“In addition to enhancing industry standards, this programme reinforces Ecuador’s commitment to sustainability, and consolidates our reputation as responsible leaders in global shrimp production,” said José Antonio Camposano, executive president of the CNA.
Inve Aquaculture - an associate member of SSP - also collaborated throughout the development of the project.
“By implementing these practices at the hatchery level, we aim for a more transparent aquaculture industry, highlighting the importance of biosecurity measures, advanced water treatment processes, and reducing the use of chemicals during live food production to minimise waste discharge into the environment,” commented Xavier Valdez, area manager at Inve Aquaculture.
In an effort to prepare and support participating hatcheries to implement the regulations set down by the guidelines, the initiative also includes training sessions and audits for shrimp larvae producers. These aim to assess compliance with regulations and provide feedback on areas for improvement.
