Nasha Baanu, production executive at Taprobane.
Taprobane
Taprobane Seafood's Erukkalampiddy shrimp farm, which received a fund of $15 million (€13.8 million) from the Netherlands Development Finance Company (FMO), has become the first in Sri Lanka to obtain Aquaculture Stewardship Council (ASC) certification.
The farm expands 57 acres producing 1,200 MT of shrimp annually and the company is confident that eventually, the 1,000 acres it occupies will also be certificated.
Regarding this achievement, Udari Morawake, Taprobane Seafood Head of Sustainability & CSR, expressed: "ASC certification for our farm signifies a notable achievement in terms of environmental sustainability and social responsibility in shrimp farming in Sri Lanka because the ASC is a globally recognized certification program that sets standards for responsible aquaculture practices."
Also, Taprobane Seafood has taken measures to conserve habitats, minimize the impact on surrounding ecosystems, and promote the sustainability of local biodiversity. Additionally, efforts have been made in water quality management to ensure a healthy aquatic environment.
Finally, the Head of Sustainability & CSR assured that this certification helps to improve labor practices such as workers' conditions, fair wages, appropriate working hours, and safe working conditions.
"Moreover, community engagement initiatives have been implemented, fostering positive relationships and contributing to the sustainable development of the local communities involved in shrimp farming," she concluded.
Blue finance consists of financial flow directed to investments and programs that seek to create positive effects on the ocean economy.
According to ASC, the World Economic Forum estimates that US$175 billion of blue finance will be required to achieve UN's Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 14, 'Life Below Water', by 2030.
Blue finance also helps farms like Erukkalampiddy shrimp farm gain access to the international market. With ASC certification, Taprobane will attract more buyers worldwide.
