Ecuador takes lead in sustainable shrimp larvae production with launch of Scale Up Programme

GUAYAQUIL / Ecuador, 11 March 2024: The Sustainable Shrimp Partnership (SSP) and the National Chamber of Aquaculture (CNA) officially launched the Scale Up Programme for Shrimp Hatcheries on 28 February 2024 in Salinas, as part of the AquaExpo Santa Elena event. 

This project aims to promote the sustainable management of shrimp larvae production 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. With this plan, we aim to guide and provide tools to shrimp hatcheries to implement efficient and responsible practices in all their operations," explained Pamela Nath, Director of SSP.

As part of the initiative, the Technical guide for the Sustainability of Shrimp hatcheries was developed. This is the first manual focused on establishing specific regulations for the sustainability of shrimp larvae production in Ecuador. The guiding principles of the manual focus on compliance with current regulations, ensuring adequate infrastructure, responsible resource utilization, storage, sanitation, biosecurity, environmental impact, social responsibility, among other considerations.

"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. This initiative also ensures strong relationships with our consumers, who increasingly value sustainability when making purchasing decisions," stated José Antonio Camposano, Executive President of the CNA.

Throughout the project's development, Inve Aquaculture, an associate member of SSP, played an active role. “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 minimize waste discharge into the environment,” expressed Xavier Valdez, Area Manager at INVE Aquaculture in Ecuador.

“Our collaboration with SSP and the Scale Up Programme for Shrimp Hatcheries is a testament to our commitment to sustainability and responsible shrimp farming,” added Valdez.

In efforts to prepare and support hatcheries in implementing regulations and ensuring their optimal performance, activities such as training sessions and audits have been designed. These aim to assess compliance with regulations and provide feedback on areas for improvement.

“The main goal of the Scale Up Programme is for shrimp hatcheries to adopt the sustainability standards outlined in the Technical Guide and to receive recognition once they successfully meet all the requirements for sustainable management of their production," shared doctor Leonardo Maridueña, Technical Project Coordinator of SSP and author of the guide. "Adhering to the guide's criteria enables larvae producers to attain production that is clean, efficient, responsible, and sustainable."