SFP Launches New Directory of Aquaculture Improvement Projects

The Sustainable Fisheries Partnership (SFP) has launched\r\nthe Aquaculture Improvement Project (AIP) Directory to support the\r\nseafood supply chain’s engagement with aquaculture improvement projects.

The new AIP Directory currently lists five active\r\naquaculture improvement projects that cover three countries (China, Indonesia,\r\nand Thailand) and two species (shrimp and tilapia). Other active AIPs are\r\ninvited to register on the website for free. The website also includes a range\r\nof resources and tools to support those looking to start new projects.

AIPs, which are developed on a similar model as fishery\r\nimprovement projects (FIPs), are multi-stakeholder projects that leverage the\r\npower of the private sector to promote the uptake of sustainable practices and\r\nproducts. Such projects seek to make sustainable changes endure through policy\r\nchange, and serve to improve performance at the farm and zonal scale. AIPs also\r\nalign with FIP requirements for participating fisheries and companies,\r\nrequiring that producers make publicly-available supply chain commitments,\r\nundergo needs assessments, create workplans with clear objectives, and provide\r\nprogress reports on a regular basis.

“AIPs are an important tool to drive sustainability –\r\nwhether participating farms have certified responsible management practices in\r\nplace or not. It is important for ensuring impact and credibility that projects\r\nhave a clear set of goals and a defined workplan, and that they are publicly\r\nreporting on progress,” Seafresh Group Director of Sustainability Dominique\r\nGautier said. “The AIP Directory gives project managers a mechanism to tell the\r\nworld about their progress, and buyers and funders greater insight into what\r\nimprovement projects are underway and how they can get involved.”

AIPs can be important tools to improve assured supply and\r\nreduce risk in supply chains where there may be fewer mechanisms to implement\r\nand enforce lasting change, SFP said. As is the case with FIPs, the industry is\r\nable to take greater control over the sustainable management of supply and\r\naddress issues of concern through these projects in aquaculture. The directory\r\nwill allow seafood industry stakeholders presently involved or potentially\r\ninterested in an AIP, or the AIP model, to learn where and how these\r\nimprovements are taking place and progress on specific projects, SFP added.

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“The AIP Directory really is a one-stop shop for all\r\nstakeholders in the supply chain,” SFP Aquaculture Director Anton Immink said.\r\n“As a buyer, you can find active projects; as an AIP implementer, you can\r\nshowcase your project and report progress. If you can’t find a project that\r\nfits your needs, there are tools and resources on how to start a new AIP.”

Source: Seafood Source