WWF accused of selling out to industry with new ASC aquaculture standards

News 14:52 13/09/2014
In response to yesterday's formal

Issuing a statement in Brussels, that called the standards for tilapia, pangasius, abalone and bivalves “a crude attempt ... that perpetuated unsustainable production systems” the activists dismissed WWF's claim that the standards were developed in consultation with local communities and indigenous peoples who are affected by aquaculture farms.

They alleged that WWF's plans to certify the export-oriented, industrial production of such species as shrimp, pangasius and salmon were developed specifically to promote the interests of the aquaculture industry. They also pointed out that the standards were being diluted under pressure from the industry to ensure that 20% of existing shrimp producers could be certified immediately after the standards were released.

“WWF is wrong to claim their standards include inputs from local “stakeholders” when the main body of those stakeholders- the local resource users, who are directly affected by the industry- did not have any voice in determining these ‘standards',” says Natasha Ahmad of Asia Solidarity Against Industrial Aquaculture (ASIA).

Riza Damanik of KIARA -- a network of Indonesian fisher-folk groups -- agrees. “We saw the WWF Aquaculture Dialogue in Jakarta and protested at the venue,” he said. “99% of those in attendance were from the shrimp industry and the government. WWF's claim that communities were involved is a joke -- they organized their so-called dialogue with affected local communities in a posh city venue.”

“These WWF/ShAD standards are just one more ‘pie-in-the-sky' attempt to justify and expand the profits of an unsustainable and destructive industry, resulting in further loss of mangrove forests and displacement of local communities,” says Alfredo Quarto, of Mangrove Action Project.

”WWF continues to ignore the risk that their shrimp certification scheme may result in actually increasing demand for shrimp, thus increasing the expansion of the bad practices that certification was supposedly trying to address through these standards,” says Gudrun Hubendick of the Stockholm Shrimp Action Group in Sweden.

The Open Letter is signed “The Conscientious Objectors” and the signatories work on an astonishingly diverse spectrum of issues -- human rights, consumer rights, indigenous peoples rights, land and water use, agriculture, environmental law and conservation, labour rights, marine and coastal ecology, soil science, social science and fisheries.

The Conscientious Objectors claim that export-oriented, industrial aquaculture has had a devastating impact on all these sectors.

TIN MỚI CẬP NHẬT

An Giang: Developing climate-resilient marine aquaculture

 |  09:01 16/12/2025

(seafood.vasep.com.vn) An Giang is focusing on expanding climate-adaptive marine aquaculture models, aiming for safe and sustainable production. This approach not only enhances economic efficiency but also helps fishermen stabilize their livelihoods amid weather fluctuations.

Vietnam pangasius in China: Stable demand, intensifying competition

 |  10:02 11/12/2025

(seafood.vasep.com.vn) In the first 10 months of 2025, Vietnam’s pangasius export value to China (including Mainland China and Hong Kong) reached $483 million, up 1% compared to the same period in 2024. October alone posted $73 million, a strong 19% increase year-on-year. The Chinese market currently accounts for nearly 27% of Vietnam’s total pangasius export value.

Vietnam’s lobster exports set for another strong surge in 2025

 |  08:58 09/12/2025

(seafood.vasep.com.vn) According to data from Vietnam Customs, the country’s lobster exports posted another strong month in October 2025, reaching $93 million - a 75% increase from the same month in 2024. This performance extends the sector’s impressive growth streak from earlier in the year, pushing cumulative exports for the first 10 months to $712 million, up an extraordinary 135% year-over-year. Within the product mix, green lobster remained the dominant driver, accounting for 98% of total export value, with $700 million recorded in the first 10 months - a 141% jump year-on-year. In contrast, exports of spiny lobster and other lobster varieties declined slightly by 22% and 1%, respectively, indicating that market demand is becoming increasingly concentrated on the most sought-after product line.

Da Nang city takes strong action against IUU fishing

 |  11:12 05/12/2025

(seafood.vasep.com.vn) Currently, Da Nang City has no fishing vessels detained, sanctioned by foreign authorities, or criminally prosecuted for IUU fishing violations. Patrols, monitoring of marine fishing activities, and handling of violations have been prioritized by competent forces, significantly reducing nearshore fishing infringements.

Vietnam’s tuna exports to Israel drop nearly 50% in the first 9 months of 2025

 |  09:13 04/12/2025

(seafood.vasep.com.vn) According to statistics from Vietnam Customs, Vietnam’s tuna exports to Israel in the first nine months of 2025 reached just over USD 27 million, down as much as 49% compared to the same period in 2024. This is a steep and prolonged decline for many consecutive months, reflecting changes in import demand as well as shifts in the supply structure of this market.

Vietnam exports first shipment of 700 tons of tilapia to Brazil

 |  09:42 02/12/2025

(seafood.vasep.com.vn) The first 700 tons of Vietnamese tilapia ordered and imported by JBS Group will initially be distributed through supermarket chains, the Horeca network and JBS’s product showrooms in Brazil.

Pangasius Exports in October 2025: Positive Growth Momentum Led by China's Recovery

 |  12:40 28/11/2025

(seafood.vasep.com.vn) In October 2025, Vietnam’s pangasius exports hit $217 million, representing an 8% increase compared to the same month in 2024. For the first 10 months of the year, total export value has surpassed $1.8 billion, up 9% year-on-year. This growth demonstrates clear positive momentum for the pangasius industry, despite continued declines in certain markets.

Appeal letter: Calling for Support to overcome the consequences of flooding in the central provinces

 |  10:39 27/11/2025

In recent days, the Central provinces of Vietnam have been suffering from historic flooding, with prolonged heavy rains, landslides, flash floods, and deep inundation causing extremely serious impacts on tens of thousands of households, as well as many VASEP member exporters located in the region. With the spirit of mutual support and solidarity, and in order to promptly assist residents and member exporters in the affected areas to stabilize their lives and restore production activities, VASEP calls on all seafood exporters, organizations, and individuals to extend supports to the people and member exporters in the flood-hit areas. We urge timely and practical material and spiritual contributions to help member exporters and local communities in the severely affected provinces overcome this difficult period.

Raw shrimp prices remain stable, slight declines in some sizes at the end of October 2025

 |  09:04 26/11/2025

(seafood.vasep.com.vn) In the final days of October 2025, Vietnam’s domestic raw shrimp market remained generally stable, though slight adjustments were recorded in several sizes across key farming regions.

Vietnam’s shrimp exports in October 2025 hit the highest level since the beginning of the year

 |  08:26 25/11/2025

(seafood.vasep.com.vn) Vietnam’s shrimp exports reached USD 498 million in October 2025, up 26% from the same period last year. This is one of the highest monthly revenues since the beginning of the year, reflecting solid demand in major markets and faster shipment schedules by exporters. From January to October, shrimp export value reached USD 3.9 billion, up 22% compared to the same period in 2024.

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