Reports

Seafood Watch Upgrades Thailand’s Shrimp Aquaculture Sector Rating

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The Bangkok-headquartered Thai Union Group has welcomed the latest rating for Thailand farmed shrimp from Monterey Bay Aquarium Seafood Watch, which shows the country’s positive progress to reach a Yellow Good Alternative rating.

Shrimp farming methods in Thailand have improved since Seafood Watch last assessed the Southeast Asian nation’s shrimp aquaculture industry, prompting the change in rating from Red to Yellow. Today Thai farmers manage their water quality more effectively and, in response to disease challenges, have reduced water exchange with the environment.

The Seafood Watch report illustrates that there have been improvements in the sustainability of feed ingredients but notes that there is continued effort needed to make Thai fisheries more sustainable. For Thailand to reach the coveted Best Choice rating, the report indicates that local implementation and enforcement of laws, ranging from farm effluent to fishery management, need to continue to improve, in line with science and best practice.

Dr. Darian McBain, global director of corporate affairs and Sustainability at Thai Union, said the company continues to work with partners including the Royal Thai Government to help move shrimp from Thailand towards a Best Choice rating.

Thai Union is also collaborating with the Aquaculture Stewardship Council (ASC) and Best Aquaculture Practices (BAP) to increase the number of certified shrimp farms in Thailand.

“We are proud to be a global leader in seafood sustainability and we are continually exploring how we can ensure that the products delivered to our customers around the world are being responsibly sourced,” said McBain. “This is part of our commitment to Healthy Living, Healthy Oceans.”