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

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(seafood.vasep.com.vn) In Gia Vien district, tilapia farming—particularly the “duong nghiep” strain—is expanding rapidly and gradually becoming an efficient production model for local farmers. Hatcheries in the area are supplying high-quality, uniform, and disease-free fingerlings, meeting the growing demand for commercial farming.

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Ho Chi Minh City approves aquatic animal disease prevention and control plan for 2026–2030

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(seafood.vasep.com.vn) On March 10, 2026, the Ho Chi Minh City People’s Committee issued Decision No. 1377/QD-UBND approving the Aquatic Animal Disease Prevention and Control Plan for the 2026–2030 period. The decision takes effect from the date of signing and replaces previous plans for the 2021–2030 period that had been issued prior to the administrative merger in Ba Ria – Vung Tau, Binh Duong, and Ho Chi Minh City.

Chile’s tuna imports surge in 2025, can Vietnamese tuna accelerate?

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Vinh Long promotes sustainable development of brackish water shrimp farming

 |  09:28 26/03/2026

(seafood.vasep.com.vn) Vinh Long Province is stepping up efforts to develop brackish water shrimp farming in a sustainable direction, identifying it as a key sector in its agricultural structure. In 2026, the province aims to reach around 71,300 hectares of shrimp farming, with an output of over 314,000 tons.

Ha Tinh tightens shrimp seed management to reduce risks for spring–summer crop

 |  09:25 24/03/2026

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Vietnam pangasius exports in February 2026: China remains the leading market

 |  09:23 22/03/2026

(seafood.vasep.com.vn) In February 2026, Vietnam’s pangasius exports reached USD 119 million, down slightly 5% year-on-year. However, thanks to strong performance in January, cumulative exports in the first two months of the year still reached USD 331 million, up 28% compared to the same period in 2025. Export activity slowed somewhat in February due to seasonal factors, particularly the Lunar New Year holiday, which disrupted production and shipments at many seafood processing enterprises.

Da Nang promotes high-tech shrimp farming

 |  09:06 20/03/2026

(seafood.vasep.com.vn) Da Nang is accelerating the development of high-tech shrimp farming toward intensive production, disease control, and improved efficiency. Many shrimp farms have invested in automated environmental monitoring systems, continuously tracking indicators such as pH, dissolved oxygen, temperature, and salinity, enabling farmers to promptly adjust pond conditions and reduce disease risks.

Shrimp seed industry 2025: A turning point in technology, management and broodstock self-sufficiency

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(seafood.vasep.com.vn) The year 2025 is considered a turning point for Vietnam’s shrimp seed industry as the sector faces the need for strong transformation in technology, production management, and gradual self-sufficiency in broodstock supply. These factors are seen as key to improving seed quality and strengthening the competitiveness of the shrimp industry amid increasingly demanding market requirements.

Shrimp exports in the first two months of 2026: China drives growth, lobster surges

 |  08:42 16/03/2026

(seafood.vasep.com.vn) In February 2026, Vietnam’s shrimp exports reached nearly USD 310 million, up 17% year-on-year. Cumulatively for the first two months of the year, shrimp export value totaled USD 690 million, an increase of 20% compared with the same period last year. Compared with the 22% growth recorded in January, the pace of increase in February slowed somewhat, reflecting seasonal factors as the Lunar New Year holiday partially disrupted processing and shipment activities. Nevertheless, the nearly 20% growth in the first two months indicates that shrimp orders from Vietnam are maintaining a more positive trend than in the same period last year.

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