To minimize the key environmental and social impacts related to shrimp farming, WWF created the Shrimp Aquaculture Dialogue. The first draft of the standards document was posted for public comment from March through April 2010 and the second draft was posted for public comment December 2010 through February 2011. All feedback received during the public comment periods was used by the Dialogue's Global Steering Committee (GSC) to revise the standards document. The GSC is developing its formal responses to public comments, which will be available on the WWF website in early 2012.
The final draft of the standards document was made public on December 21, 2011.This version of the standards is being used to create an Audit Manual and will be subject to voluntary field testing on selected farms. When finalized, the standards will be given to a new organization, the Aquaculture Stewardship Council, which will be responsible for working with independent, third party entities to certify farms that are in compliance with the standards.
The final draft of the standards document does not reflect final agreement by the GSC. Rather, until the document is finalized, committee members retain the right to debate outstanding issues and develop alternatives based on public input, proactive outreach and further research
Principles
The "International Principles for Shrimp Farming," adopted in 2006 by the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization, are the framework for the shrimp farming criteria, indicators and standards. The criteria will aim to provide direction on how to reduce each impact identified by the Dialogue and the indicators will address how to measure the extent of each impact. Standards will be quantitative performance levels that evaluate whether a principle is achieved. The principles are:
- Comply with all applicable national laws and local regulations
- Site farms in environmentally suitable locations while conserving local biodiversity, natural habitat and ecosystem function
- Develop and operate farms with consideration for surrounding communities
- Operate farms with responsible labor practices
- Manage shrimp health in a responsible manner
- Manage broodstock origin, stock selection, and effects of stock management
- Use resources in an environmentally efficient and responsible manner
Additional Resources
February 2011 Global Steering Committee Meeting
Public Comment Periods
September 2010 Global Steering Committee Meeting
June 2010 Global Steering Committee Meeting
March 2010 Global Steering Committee Meeting
March 2010 Global Steering Committee Meeting
February 2010 Global Steering Committee Meeting
November 2009 Global Steering Committee Meeting
September 2009 Global Steering Committee Meeting
June 2009 Global Steering Committee Meeting
April 2009 Global Steering Committee Meeting
November 2008 Dialogue Meeting
Meeting Agenda
Meeting Summary
Department of Fisheries Opening Remarks
Draft Criteria and Indicators Presented at Meeting
Presentations
- Overview of the Aquaculture Dialogues, by Jose Villalon: English / Thai
- The Role of the Steering Committee, by Eric Bernard: English / Thai
October 2008 Dialogue Meeting
Meeting Agenda
Meeting Summary
Presentations:
- Overview of the Aquaculture Dialogues, by Jose Villalon English / Spanish
- Overview of the Shrimp Aquaculture Dialogue, by Eric Bernard English / Spanish
- The Role of the Steering Committee, by Eric Bernard English / Spanish
- The Sustainability of Forage Fisheries, by Pedro Sousa English
- Effluent Impact Assessment, by Stanislaus Sonnenholzner English / Spanish
- Naturland, by Ute Wiedenlubbert English / Spanish
Letter from Community Groups
June 2008 Dialogue Meeting
Meeting Agenda
Meeting Summary
Comments on Proposed Indicators
Comments on Proposed Indicators and Criteria
Draft Criteria, Indicators and Standards Developed at Meeting
Presentations:
- Overview of the Shrimp Aquaculture Dialogue and Purpose of the June 2008 Meeting, by Eric Bernard English / French
- Belize meeting outcomes, by Eric Bernard English / French
- The Steering Committee, by Eric Bernard English / French
- Overview of Aquaculture Certification, by Laurent Galloux French
April 2008 Dialogue Meeting:
Meeting Summary
Presentations:
April 2007 Dialogue Meeting
Draft Criteria and Indicators
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