Ecuador bets on sustainable shrimp larvae production

The Sustainable Shrimp Partnership (SSP) and the National Chamber of Aquaculture (CNA) of Ecuador have presented the 'Scale-Up Programme for Shrimp Hatcheries' at the AquaExpo Santa Elena event.

This project aims to promote the sustainable management of shrimp larvae production and at the same time focus on the hatcheries that are committed to its product quality and environmental and social impact.

Regarding this initiative, Pamela Nath, Director of SSP, said: "With this plan, we aim to guide and provide tools to shrimp hatcheries to implement efficient and responsible practices in all their operations."

Through the Technical Guide for the Sustainability of Shrimp, hatcheries will discover Ecuador's regulations for sustainable shrimp larvae production which include ensuring adequate infrastructure, responsible resource utilization, storage, sanitation, biosecurity, environmental impact, and social responsibility, among other concerns.

Additionally, José Antonio Camposano, Executive President of the CNA, wanted to mention the customer influence on this: "This initiative also ensures strong relationships with our consumers, who increasingly value sustainability when making purchasing decisions."

"A more transparent aquaculture industry"

So that the hatcheries can correctly implement the regulation and do a satisfactory performance, the program will also arrange training sessions and audits. Inve Aquaculture is an associate member of SSP and is participating in the 'Scale-Up Programme for Shrimp Hatcheries'.

"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 minimize waste discharge into the environment," noted Xavier Valdez, Area Manager at INVE Aquaculture in Ecuador.