Six years ago, a group of forward-thinking shrimp producers in Ecuador came together to establish the Sustainable Shrimp Partnership (SSP), setting a new standard for the shrimp farming industry. Since its inception, SSP has been dedicated to promoting both social and environmental responsibility within the sector.

Founding Members

Among the founding members of SSP are esteemed shrimp producers like Grupo Almar, Grupo Camaronero Champmar, Corporación Lanec, Omarsa, Promarisco, and Songa. Their shared commitment to sustainability has enabled SSP to address current challenges, anticipate future ones, and set an example for others to follow.

Over the past six years, SSP has undertaken various initiatives to promote transparency, environmental stewardship, and social responsibility within shrimp aquaculture. Their efforts have ensured that the shrimp produced meet the highest standards, including being free from antibiotics, having a neutral impact on water quality, and being fully traceable throughout the production process.

Milestones Achieved

Since its inception, SSP has achieved milestones that have reshaped the shrimp industry’s landscape. One notable accomplishment is the development of SSP qualification criteria, which ensures the highest social and environmental standards in shrimp production through rigorous farm audits and the use of Blockchain technology for traceability.

SSP has also played a pivotal role in fostering collaboration within the industry through initiatives like the Sustainability Leadership Roundtable. Projects such as mangrove conservation in Ecuador and advocacy for labor equity and living wages demonstrate SSP’s commitment to broader sustainability goals.

The ‘Scale Up’ Programme

A recent breakthrough for SSP is the launch of the ‘Scale Up’ Programme, aimed at advancing sustainable production and management of shrimp larvae. By recognizing and supporting hatcheries committed to improving product quality and environmental and social impact, this program represents a significant step forward for the industry.