Environmental Notes

• This fishery is unlikely to have direct impacts on ETP species.
• Bycatch for this fishery is considered low.
• This fishery is unlikely to have a significant impact on the sea bed.

General Notes

• This fish plays an important role in the marine food web and so potential impacts on the wider marine ecosystem must be monitored.

Environmental Notes

• This fishery is unlikely to have direct impacts on ETP species.
• Bycatch for this fishery is considered low.
• This fishery is unlikely to have a significant impact on the sea bed.

General Notes

• This fish plays an important role in the marine food web and so potential impacts on the wider marine ecosystem must be monitored.

Environmental Notes

• This fishery is unlikely to have significant impacts on ETP species. But some impacts on Steller sea lions and Short-tailed albatross may occur. There are measures in place to avoid interactions with ETP species.
• Bycatch of herring and juvenile pollock occurs in this fishery.
• This fishery is unlikely to have a significant impact on the sea bed.

General Notes

• No additional notes.

Environmental Notes

• The fishery interacts with seabirds and marine mammals. Indirect impacts on ETP may also occur through impacts on food availability. Findings from the FIP suggest the fishery is unlikely to hinder the recovery of ETP species.
• Bycatch for this fishery is considered low. Main bycatch species are recorded by the FIP.
• This fishery is unlikely to have a significant impact on the sea bed.

General Notes

• This fish plays an important role in the marine food web and so potential impacts on the wider marine ecosystem must be monitored.

References

Fishery Progress, Peruvian anchovy - small scale purse-seine

Environmental Notes

• There are significant concerns about the cumulative impacts of the Barents Sea fishery upon the endangered species, golden redfish. Scientific advice is to reduce the catch to zero tonnes.
  
• There is bycatch for this fishery but non-target species are retained. Management measures are in place to reduce impacts on retained species.
• Bottom trawls will directly impact on the sea bed. Management measures are in place to limit impacts on benthic habitats, including the use of area closures.

General Notes

• No additional notes.

Environmental Notes

• Blue skate and spiny dogfish have been recorded in the catch but catches of these ETP species are low and gear measures are in place to minimize mortality. There are significant concerns about the cumulative impacts of the Barents Sea fishery upon the endangered species, golden redfish. Catches in this fishery represent less than 3% of catches of golden redfish in the area. But, scientific advice is to reduce the catch to zero tonnes.

• There is bycatch for this fishery but non-target species are retained. Management measures are in place to reduce impacts on retained species.
• Bottom trawls will directly impact on the sea bed. Management measures are in place to limit impacts on benthic habitats, including the use of area closures.

General Notes

References

Lloyd’s Register, September 2020, Arkhangelsk Trawl Fleet Norwegian & Barents Seas Cod, Haddock & Saithe, Public Certification Report

Environmental Notes

• There are significant concerns about the cumulative impacts of the Barents Sea fishery upon the endangered species, golden redfish, but most of the catch is taken by bottom trawls.
• There is bycatch for this fishery but non-target species are retained. Management measures are in place to reduce impacts on retained species.
• This fishery is unlikely to have a significant impact on the sea bed.

General Notes

• No additional notes.

Environmental Notes

• There are significant concerns about the cumulative impacts of the Barents Sea fishery upon the endangered species, golden redfish, but most of the catch is taken by bottom trawls.
• There is bycatch for this fishery but non-target species are retained. Management measures are in place to reduce impacts on retained species.
• This fishery is unlikely to have a significant impact on the sea bed.

General Notes

• No additional notes.

Environmental Notes

• There are significant concerns about the cumulative impacts of the Barents Sea fishery upon the endangered species, golden redfish, but most of the catch is taken by bottom trawls. Catches of the endangered Northern wolffish represent a bigger concern for this fishery. Management measures are in place to reduce overall interactions with ETP species.
• There is bycatch for this fishery but non-target species are retained. The main bycatch species in this fishery are haddock, spotted wolffish and Patagonian squid. Management measures are in place to reduce impacts on retained species.
• This fishery is unlikely to have a significant impact on the sea bed.

General Notes

• No additional notes.

Environmental Notes

• This fishery is unlikely to impact ETP species, however the degree of certainty regarding impacts is affected by limited publicly available scientific observer data and limited recording of ETP species vulnerable to longline fishing.
• This fishery is unlikely to have significant impacts on bycatch species.
• Longline gear is unlikely to have a significant impact on the sea bed.

General Notes

References

DNV GL, 2018, MSC Public Certification Report for Oceanprom Barents Sea cod and haddock fishery

Environmental Notes

• Bycatch of the vulnerable spotted wolffish and beaked redfish is a concern.
• There is bycatch for this fishery but non-target species are retained. Management measures are in place to reduce impacts on retained species.
• Bottom trawls directly impact on the sea bed. However, the fishery operates at a depth where it is unlikely to impact vulnerable marine ecosystems.

General Notes

References

Good Fish Guide - Atlantic cod, Iceland, Bottom trawl (otter), Marine Stewardship Council (MSC)

Environmental Notes

• Measures to record and reduce bycatch of marine mammals and sea birds in the gillnet and longline component of the fishery are needed.
• There is bycatch for this fishery but non-target species are retained. Management measures are in place to reduce impacts on retained species.
• The impact depends on the gear type. Gillnets and longlines will have less impact on the sea bed than bottom trawls.

General Notes

References

Good Fish Guide - Atlantic cod, Iceland, Net (gill or fixed), Marine Stewardship Council (MSC)

Good Fish Guide - Atlantic cod, Iceland, Hook & line (longline), Marine Stewardship Council (MSC)

Environmental Notes

• This fishery is unlikely to have direct impacts on ETP species.
• There is bycatch for this fishery but non-target species are retained. Bycatch species include wolffish and redfish. Management measures are in place to reduce impacts on retained species.
• This fishery is unlikely to have a significant impact on the sea bed.

General Notes

References

Global Trust Certification, December 2022, Public Certification Report ISF Iceland Cod Fishery (Reassessment)

Environmental Notes

• This fishery is unlikely to have direct impacts on ETP species but mackerel plays an important role in the marine food web so potential impacts on the wider marine ecosystem must be monitored.
• Bycatch in this fishery is considered low.
• This fishery is unlikely to have a significant impact on the sea bed.

General Notes

• Certification for this fishery was publicly suspended in March 2019 due to concerns regarding overfishing.
• In response to the suspension of the fishery, a supply chain-led initiative called the North Atlantic Pelagic Advocacy (NAPA) Group was formed by retailers and processors in the UK, and has since expanded to include European retailers and processors. NAPA aims to develop a shared solution to sustainability issues in the North East Atlantic fisheries for mackerel, herring and blue whiting, and is seeking a formal agreement on catch limits for North East Atlantic Pelagic fisheries that reflects the scientific advice.
• The fishery is now in a FIP.

References

FisheryProgress, Northeast Atlantic Ocean mackerel and herring - hook & line, trawl, and purse seine.

Environmental Notes

• Salmon production relies on wild capture fisheries for feed. The sustainability of fisheries supplying fishmeal and fish oil varies.
  
• There are concerns about the impact of farmed salmon escapes and disease outbreaks on wild salmonids. Escapes are a critical conservation concern in Production Areas 3, 4, 8, 9, 10 and 11. In addition, concerns have been expressed about the impact on wild wrasse populations used as cleaner fish to control sea lice.
• Impacts on water quality are localized, but there is potential for cumulative impacts in densely farmed areas. Chemical inputs of pesticides used to control sea lice are of particular concern for farmed Norwegian salmon. The use of chemical pesticides has been reduced over the last five years but varies by Production Areas.

General Notes

• The environmental impacts described are addressed to some degree by certification.
• The Norwegian salmon industry has adopted a zonal approach to aquaculture management for licensing and disease management through the use of 13 Production Areas nationwide.

References

FishSource - salmon, Norway

Good Fish Guide - Atlantic Salmon, Europe: Scotland and Norway, Open net pen, marine, Aquaculture Stewardship Council (ASC)

Seafood Watch, December 2021, Atlantic Salmon, Norway, Marine Net Pens

Environmental Notes

• Salmon production relies on wild capture fisheries for feed. The sustainability of fisheries supplying fishmeal and fish oil varies.
• There are concerns about the impact of farmed salmon escapes and disease outbreaks on wild salmonids. Escapes are a critical conservation concern in Production Areas 3, 4, 8, 9, 10 and 11. In addition, concerns have been expressed about the impact on wild wrasse populations used as cleaner fish to control sea lice.
• Impacts on water quality are localized, but there is potential for cumulative impacts in densely farmed areas. Chemical inputs of pesticides used to control sea lice are of particular concern for farmed Norwegian salmon. The use of chemical pesticides has been reduced over the last five years but varies by Production Areas.

General Notes

• The environmental impacts described are addressed to some degree by certification.
• The Norwegian salmon industry has adopted a zonal approach to aquaculture management for licensing and disease management through the use of 13 Production Areas nationwide.

References

FishSource - salmon, Norway

Good Fish Guide - Atlantic Salmon, Scotland, Norway and Faroe Islands, Open net pen, marine, GlobalG.A.P.

Seafood Watch, December 2021, Atlantic Salmon, Norway, Marine Net Pens

Environmental Notes

• Salmon rely on wild capture fisheries for feed. Marine ingredients are sourced from fisheries that currently have no serious conservation concerns.
• There are concerns about the impact of farmed salmon escapes and disease outbreaks on wild salmonids. In addition, concerns have been expressed about the impact on wild wrasse populations used as cleaner fish to control sea lice.
• Impacts on water quality are localized, but there is potential for cumulative impacts in densely farmed areas. Chemical inputs of pesticides used to control sea lice are of particular concern for farmed Scottish salmon. The use of chemical pesticides has declined over the last decade but varies by region.

General Notes

• The environmental impacts described are addressed to some degree by certification.
• The industry follows a zonal approach to aquaculture management with respect to planning, siting, licensing, and operation.

References:

FishSource - salmon, United Kingdom

Good Fish Guide - Atlantic Salmon, Europe: UK, Scotland, Open net pen, marine

Good Fish Guide - Atlantic salmon, Europe: Scotland and Norway, Open net pen, marine, Global Seafood Alliance Best Aquaculture Practices (GAA BAP) 4* and 3*

Good Fish Guide - Atlantic salmon, Europe: Scotland, Norway, Faroe Islands, Open net pen, marine, GLOBALG.A.P.

Seafood Watch, December 2021, Atlantic Salmon, Scotland, Marine Net Pens

Environmental Notes

• Available data on interactions with ETP species is still limited. Commonly reported bycatch in the area includes sharks and rays, sea turtles, marine mammals, and sunfish.
  
• No more than 3% of the total catch for Moroccan small pelagic fisheries is allowed to comprise bycatch.
• This fishery is unlikely to have a significant impact on the sea bed.

General Notes

• This fishery was covered by the Morocco sardine - pelagic trawl and seine FIP, which is now listed as 'INACTIVE' as it did not meet reporting requirements.
• This fish plays an important role in the marine food web and so potential impacts on the wider marine ecosystem must be monitored.

References

Good Fish Guide - Sardine, Northwest Africa: Zone A and B (Central), Net (pelagic trawl; purse seine)

Environmental Notes

• Seabass require fishmeal and fishoil from marine feed sources in their diet. Concerns about the sustainability of feed inputs are relatively minor though they are not necessarily certified sustainable.
• Escapes are a concern and little is known about the risk of disease transfer to wild species.
• Impacts on water quality are localized and have not been shown to have cumulative impacts beyond the immediate farm site. Chemical inputs are only used for health management and are applied in a controlled manner. Reports indicate responsible use, but there is a lack of data on the quantity of chemical inputs.

General Notes

• The environmental impacts described are addressed to some degree by certification.

References:

FishSource - seabass/seabream, Turkey

Good Fish Guide - Seabass, European Union and Turkey, Open net pen, marine

Good Fish Guide - Seabass, European Union and Turkey, Open net pen, marine, Aquaculture Stewardship Council (ASC)

Good Fish Guide - Seabass, European Union and Turkey, Open net pen, marine, GlobalG.A.P.

Seafood Watch, July 2020, Gilthead Seabream, European Seabass and Meagre, European Union, Turkey, Egypt

Environmental Notes

• Seabass require fishmeal and fishoil from marine feed sources in their diet. Concerns about the sustainability of feed inputs are relatively minor though they are not necessarily certified sustainable.
• Escapes are a concern and little is known about the risk of disease transfer to wild species.
• Impacts on water quality are localized and have not been shown to have cumulative impacts beyond the immediate farm site. Chemical inputs are only used for health management and are applied in a controlled manner. Reports indicate responsible use, but there is a lack of data on the quantity of chemical inputs.

General Notes

• The environmental impacts described are addressed to some degree by certification.

References

FishSource - seabass/seabream, Turkey

Good Fish Guide - Seabass, European Union and Turkey, Open net pen, marine, Global Aquaculture Alliance Best Aquaculture Practices (GAA BAP) 3* and 4*

Seafood Watch, July 2020, Gilthead Seabream, European Seabass and Meagre, European Union, Turkey, Egypt

Environmental Notes

• Giant tiger prawns are farmed in intensive and extensive systems that may require supplementary inputs of fishmeal and fish oil from marine feed sources.
• Disease transfer and escapes are not a concern as giant tiger prawns are native to Vietnam, therefore lowering the risk to wild populations. However, the use of wild-caught juveniles to supply or supplement the stock on some farms may present a risk.
• Pollution from nutrients and organic matter, as well as chemical inputs, may affect local water quality. The use of illegal antibiotics is a particular concern.

General Notes

• The environmental impacts described are addressed to some degree by certification.

References

Good Fish Guide - Tiger prawns, Global, Pond, freshwater, Aquaculture Stewardship Council (ASC)

Good Fish Guide - Tiger Prawn, Vietnam, India, Indonesia, Pond, improved extensive, Pond, semi-intensive

Seafood Watch, January 2023, Whiteleg Shrimp, Giant Tiger Prawn, Vietnam, Ponds

Environmental Notes

• There are significant concerns about the cumulative impacts of the Barents Sea fishery upon the endangered species, golden redfish. Scientific advice is to reduce the catch to zero tonnes.
• Bycatch in this fishery is considered low. With some exceptions, all commercial species caught must be retained, recorded and landed.
• Bottom trawls will directly impact on the sea bed. Management measures are in place to limit impacts on benthic habitats.

General Notes

• No additional notes.

Environmental Notes

• There are significant concerns about the cumulative impacts of the Barents Sea fishery upon the endangered species, golden redfish. Scientific advice is to reduce the catch to zero tonnes.
• Bycatch in this fishery is considered low. With some exceptions, all commercial species caught must be retained, recorded and landed.
• Bottom trawls will directly impact on the sea bed. Management measures are in place to limit impacts on benthic habitats.

General Notes

• No additional notes.

Environmental Notes

• There are significant concerns about the cumulative impacts of the Barents Sea fishery upon the endangered species, golden redfish, but most of the catch is taken by bottom trawls.
• Bycatch in this fishery is considered low. With some exceptions, all commercial species caught must be retained, recorded and landed.
• Longlines are unlikely to have a significant impact on the sea bed.

General Notes

• No additional notes.

Environmental Notes

• There are significant concerns about the cumulative impacts of the Barents Sea fishery upon the endangered species, golden redfish, but most of the catch is taken by bottom trawls.
• Bycatch in this fishery is considered low. With some exceptions, all commercial species caught must be retained, recorded and landed.
• This fishery is unlikely to have a significant impact on the sea bed.

General Notes

• No additional notes.

Environmental Notes

• There are significant concerns about the cumulative impacts of the Barents Sea fishery upon the endangered species, golden redfish. Scientific advice is to reduce the catch to zero tonnes.
• Bycatch in this fishery is considered low. With some exceptions, all commercial species caught must be retained, recorded and landed.
• Bottom trawls will directly impact on the sea bed. Management measures are in place to limit impacts on benthic habitats.

General Notes

• No additional notes.

Environmental Notes

• This fishery is unlikely to impact ETP species.
• Bycatch for this fishery is considered low.
• Impacts will vary by gear type. Bottom trawls will directly impact on the sea bed. Measures to protect vulnerable habitats such as cold water coral reefs are in place.

General Notes

• No additional notes.

Environmental Notes

• Interactions with seabirds and marine mammals may occur in the gillnet fishery. Some measures are in place to limit impacts.
• An MSC condition is in place to improve information on bycatch in the gillnet fishery.
• This fishery is unlikely to have a significant impact on the sea bed.

General Notes

References

Vottunarstofan Tún ehf., April 2017, MSC Public Certification Report for ISF Iceland Haddock Fishery

Environmental Notes

• This fishery is unlikely to impact ETP species, although there is a risk of seabird entanglement.
• Bycatch for this fishery is considered low.
• This fishery is unlikely to have a significant impact on the sea bed.

General Notes

• No additional notes.

Environmental Notes

• This fishery is unlikely to impact ETP species.
• Bycatch for this fishery is considered low.
• This fishery is unlikely to have a significant impact on the sea bed.

General Notes

References

Vottunarstofan Tún ehf., April 2017, MSC Public Certification Report for ISF Iceland Haddock Fishery

Environmental Notes

• Bycatch of the vulnerable North Sea cod is a concern. Some mitigation measures are in place but more management is needed to prevent impacts.
• This fishery is unlikely to have significant bycatch.
• This fishery is unlikely to have a significant impact on the sea bed.

General Notes

• As a mixed fishery, the effects of management measures on other species need to be considered within an ecosystem context.

References

Good Fish Guide - Haddock, North Sea, West of Scotland, Skagerrak: Certified fleets only, Net (demersal seine)

Environmental Notes

• Bycatch may include ETP species include the vulnerable North Sea cod, and skates and rays. Some management measures are in place to mitigate impacts.
• There is bycatch for this fishery but management measures are in place to reduce bycatch.
• Bottom trawls will directly impact on the sea bed.

General Notes

• As a mixed fishery, the effects of management measures on other species need to be considered within an ecosystem context.

References

Good Fish Guide - Haddock, North Sea, West of Scotland, Skagerrak: Certified fleets only, Bottom trawl (otter)

Environmental Notes

• This fishery is unlikely to impact ETP species.
• Bycatch is not an issue for this fishery.
• This fishery is unlikely to have a significant impact on the sea bed.

General Notes

• This is an enhanced fishery, which comprises a wild harvest (seed collection) followed by a grow-out phase.

References

LRQA, December 2022, Shetland and Scottish Mainland Rope Grown Mussel Enhanced Fishery Public Certification Report

Environmental Notes

• This fishery is unlikely to have a significant impact on ETP species.
• Bycatch in this fishery is considered low.
• This fishery is unlikely to have a significant impact on the sea bed.

General Notes

• No additional notes.

Environmental Notes

• The only ETP species recorded in the catch are Atlantic wolffish, spotted wolffish and Northern wolffish. Annual catches are low and the shrimp fishery is unlikely to hinder their recovery.
• Bycatch of non-target species is considered low and mitigation measures are in place.
• Bottom trawls will directly impact on the sea bed. But, the fishery is considered highly unlikely to irreparably reduce habitat structure and function. Management measures are in place to limit impacts on vulnerable habitats.

General Notes

• This species plays an important role in the marine food web and so potential impacts on the wider marine ecosystem must be monitored.

References
LRQA, June 2022, Canada Northern and Striped Shrimp MSC Public Certification Report

Environmental Notes

• Bycatch of ETP species is low. This fishery interacts with spotted wolffish and northern wolffish, but the fishery is not thought to jeopardise survival or recovery of these two species.
• Bycatch for this fishery is considered low.
• Bottom trawls will directly impact on the seabed. It is thought unlikely that this fishery will cause serious harm to identified sensitive areas.

General Notes

• Certification for this fishery was suspended in 2024 after the sourcing period.

References
Lloyds Register, March 2020, MSC Final Public Report for Gulf of St Lawrence Northern shrimp trawl

Environmental Notes

• The trawl fishery is unlikely to impact ETP species.
• Bycatch for this fishery is low due to the use of the Nordmore grate.
• Bottom trawls will directly impact on the sea bed, however, this fishery is considered highly unlikely to have an irreversible impact on habitat structure and function.

General Notes

References

Lloyd's Register, November 2020, MSC 2nd Reassessment Public Certification Report for the Canada Scotian Shelf Northern Prawn Trawl and Trap Fishery

Environmental Notes

• Management measures are in place to limit catch of redfish, which may include the endangered species, golden redfish. While catches are low in this fishery, there are significant concerns about the cumulative impacts of the Barents Sea fisheries upon the golden redfish.
• Bycatch for this fishery is low due to the use of Nordmøre sorting grids and other management measures.
• Bottom trawls will directly impact on the sea bed, however, this fishery is considered highly unlikely to have an irreversible impact on habitat structure and function. Measures are in place to protect vulnerable marine ecosystems.

General Notes

• This species plays an important role in the marine food web and so potential impacts on the wider marine ecosystem must be monitored.

References

DNV Business Assurance, January 2024, Public Certification Report Re-assessment for Norway North East Arctic cold water prawn

DNV Business Assurance, May 2024, Public Certification Report Re-assessment for Estonia North East Arctic cold water prawn

Environmental Notes

• This fishery is unlikely to have direct impacts on ETP species. While halibut is landed by the offshore fleet, regulations are in place to manage impacts on the species. No interactions with any other ETP species are thought to occur.
• Management measures are in place to reduce impacts on bycatch species. The most commonly caught bycatch species are cod and Greenland halibut. Fishing area closures are implemented if catches of small redfish, cod or halibut exceed thresholds.
• Bottom trawls will directly impact on the sea bed, however, this fishery is considered highly unlikely to have an irreversible impact on habitat structure and function.

General Notes

• This species plays an important role in the marine food web and so potential impacts on the wider marine ecosystem must be monitored.

References

DNV GL, October 2018, Public Certification Report for the Initial assessment of the ISF Iceland Northern shrimp fishery (inshore and offshore)

Environmental Notes

• This fishery is unlikely to impact ETP species. The fishery has reported catching a small number of the ETP bird species Thick-billed murre. Given the small number of interactions (four birds were reported caught between 2020 and 2022), the fishery is not thought to have significant detrimental effects.
• Bycatch for this fishery is low due to the use of Nordmøre sorting grids and other management measures.
• Bottom trawls will directly impact on the sea bed. Measures are in place to protect vulnerable marine ecosystems.

General Notes

• This species plays an important role in the marine food web and so potential impacts on the wider marine ecosystem must be monitored.

References

LRQA, January 2024, Public Certification Report for the West Greenland Coldwater prawn fishery

Environmental Notes

• Sharks, skates, and rays may be caught in this fishery.
• Bycatch includes cod, haddock and whiting. Management measures are in place, including a national cod avoidance plan.
• Bottom trawls will directly impact on the sea bed. However, management measures including areas closures are in place. Some marine protected areas overlap with these fishing areas.

General Notes

References

Good Fish Guide - Scampi or langoustine, Botney Cut to Silver Pit (FU 5), Bottom trawl (otter), Fishery Improvement Project (FIP)

Good Fish Guide - Scampi or langoustine, Devil's Hole (FU 34), Bottom trawl (otter), Fishery Improvement Project (FIP)

Project UK - Nephrops

Environmental Notes

• Sharks, skates, and rays may be caught in this fishery.
• Bycatch is a risk for this fishery. Bycatch of Celtic Sea cod is a particular concern. Mitigation measures, including the use of more selective gears, have been implemented across around half of the Irish fleet to reduce unwanted catch.
• Bottom trawls will directly impact on the sea bed. However, management measures are in place.

General Notes

References

Fishery Progress - Ireland Area 7 prawn - trawl

Good Fish Guide - Scampi or langoustine, Celtic Sea - The Smalls (FU 22), Bottom trawl (otter), Fishery Improvement Project

Environmental Notes

• Sharks, skates, and rays may be caught in this fishery.
• Bycatch is a risk for this fishery. Bycatch of cod is a particular concern.
• Bottom trawls will directly impact on the sea bed. However, management measures are in place.

General Notes

References

Good Fish Guide - Scampi or langoustine, Farn Deeps (FU 6), Bottom trawl (otter), Fishery Improvement Project: Stage 5

Project UK - Nephrops

Environmental Notes

• Sharks, skates, and rays may be caught in this fishery.
• Bycatch includes cod, haddock and whiting. Management measures are in place, including a national cod avoidance plan. Norway lobster caught in the Noup is considered bycatch in another fishery.
• Bottom trawls will directly impact on the sea bed. However, some management measures are in place. Marine protected areas overlap with some of these fishing areas.

General Notes

References

Good Fish Guide - Scampi or langoustine, Firth of Forth (FU 8), Bottom trawl (otter), Fishery Improvement Project

Good Fish Guide - Scampi or langoustine, Fladen Ground (FU 7), Bottom trawl (otter), Fishery Improvement Project

Good Fish Guide - Scampi or langoustine, Moray Firth (FU 9), Bottom trawl (otter), Fishery Improvement Project (FIP)

Good Fish Guide - Scampi or langoustine, Noup (FU 10), Bottom trawl (otter), Fishery Improvement Project (FIP)

Project UK - Nephrops

Environmental Notes

• Sharks, skates, and rays may be caught in this fishery.
• Bycatch is a risk for this fishery. Bycatch of Irish Sea cod and whiting is a particular concern. Mitigation measures, including the use of more selective gears, have been implemented to try to reduce unwanted catch.
• Bottom trawls will directly impact on the sea bed. Although the fishing area overlaps with a marine conservation zone, no management measures are in place to control fishing in the area.

General Notes

References

Good Fish Guide - Scampi or langoustine, Irish Sea East (FU 14), Bottom trawl (otter), Fishery Improvement Project: Stage 4

Project UK - Nephrops

Environmental Notes

• Sharks, skates, and rays may be caught in this fishery.
• Bycatch is a risk for this fishery. Bycatch of Irish Sea cod and whiting is a particular concern.
• Bottom trawls will directly impact on the sea bed.

General Notes

References

Good Fish Guide - Scampi or langoustine, Irish Sea West (FU 15), Bottom trawl (otter), Fishery Improvement Project

Project UK - Nephrops

Environmental Notes

• Sharks, skates, and rays may be caught in this fishery.
• Bycatch of Celtic Sea cod is a risk for this fishery. Mitigation measures, including the use of more selective gears, have been implemented across the Irish fleet to try to reduce unwanted catch.
• Bottom trawls will directly impact on the sea bed. However, management measures are in place.

General Notes

References

FisheryProgress - Ireland Area 7 prawn - trawl

Good Fish Guide - Scampi or langoustine, Labadie, Jones and Cockburn (FU 20-21), Bottom trawl (otter), Fishery Improvement Project: Stage 4

Environmental Notes

• Sharks, skates, and rays may be caught in this fishery.
• Bycatch includes cod, haddock and whiting. Management measures are in place, including a national cod avoidance plan and more selective gears have been implemented to try to reduce unwanted catch.
  
• Bottom trawls will directly impact on the sea bed. However, some management measures are in place. Marine protected areas overlap with some of these fishing areas, though not all have management measures in place to control fishing.

General Notes

References

Good Fish Guide - Scampi or langoustine, North Minch (FU 11), Bottom trawl (otter), Fishery Improvement Project

Good Fish Guide - Scampi or langoustine, South Minch (FU 12), Bottom trawl (otter), Fishery Improvement Project (FIP)

Good Fish Guide - Scampi or langoustine, Firth of Clyde and Sound of Jura (FU 13), Bottom trawl (otter), Fishery Improvement Project (FIP)

Project UK - Nephrops

Environmental Notes

• There are risks to seabirds and marine mammals with this fishery, but there are mitigation measures in place such as the use of streamer lines.
• Bycatch for this fishery includes other fish, skates and sea birds. Measures are in place to minimize bycatch.
• Bottom trawls will directly impact on the sea bed. Longlines are unlikely to have a significant impact on the benthic habitat unless they are bottom-set.

General Notes

References

Good Fish Guide - Pacific cod, Gulf of Alaska, Bottom trawl (otter), Marine Stewardship Council (MSC)

Good Fish Guide - Pacific cod, Gulf of Alaska, Hook & line (longline), Marine Stewardship Council (MSC)

MRAG Americas, December 17 2020, BSAI and GOA Pacific Cod MSC Reassessment Public Certification Report

Environmental Notes

• Small inputs of fishmeal and fishoil from marine feed sources are required. Certification criteria require marine feed inputs to be responsibly sourced.
• Pangasius is native to the Mekong and therefore escaped fish are unlikely to have direct impacts on local ecosystems. However, the effects of disease on pangasius farms upon wild fish populations is unknown. Juveniles used in pangasius farming come from Vietnamese hatcheries and the trade of wild-caught broodstock is limited.
• Pollution from nutrients and organic matter occurs on a relatively small scale when compared to the wider nutrient load in the Mekong. Nevertheless, the cumulative input of effluent from pond water exchange and the disposal of pond sludge contributes to the region's pollution problem. The improper disposal of sludge waste from pond bottoms is especially problematic. Environmental issues are mitigated by the certification standards but discharge limits need improvement. Chemical inputs to Vietnamese pangasius culture are high and there are concerns about the use of antibiotics important to human health.

General Notes

• The environmental impacts described are addressed to some degree by certification.
• Legislation supports the adoption of area-based approaches to aquaculture planning and disease management, but there is no evidence of farms being sited according to aquaculture or disease management zones.

References:

FishSource - Pangasius, Vietnam

Good Fish Guide - Basa (Pangasius bocourti & Pangasius hypophthalmus), Global, Aquaculture Stewardship Council (ASC)

Seafood Watch, February 2014, Pangasius, Vietnam, Ponds, Updated June 2021

Seafood Watch Recommended Eco-Certifications for farmed pangasius, Vietnam, Aquaculture Stewardship Council Certified

Environmental Notes

• Small inputs of fishmeal and fishoil from marine feed sources are required.
• Pangasius is native to the Mekong and therefore escaped fish are unlikely to have direct impacts on local ecosystems. However, the effects of disease on pangasius farms upon wild fish populations is unknown. Juveniles used in pangasius farming come from Vietnamese hatcheries and the trade of wild-caught broodstock is limited.
• Pollution from nutrients and organic matter occurs on a relatively small scale when compared to the wider nutrient load in the Mekong. Nevertheless, the cumulative input of effluent from pond water exchange and the disposal of pond sludge contributes to the region's pollution problem. The improper disposal of sludge waste from pond bottoms is especially problematic. Chemical inputs to Vietnamese pangasius culture are high and there are concerns about the use of antibiotics important to human health.

General Notes

• The environmental impacts described are addressed to some degree by certification.
• Legislation supports the adoption of area-based approaches to aquaculture planning and disease management, but there is no evidence of farms being sited according to aquaculture or disease management zones.

References:

FishSource - Pangasius, Vietnam

Good Fish Guide - Basa (Pangasius bocourti & Pangasius hypophthalmus), Asia, Vietnam, Mekong Delta, Open net pen, freshwater, Global Seafood Alliance Best Aquaculture Practices (GAA BAP) 3* and 4*

Seafood Watch, February 2014, Pangasius, Vietnam, Ponds (Updated June 7, 2021)

Seafood Watch Recommended Eco-Certifications for farmed pangasius, Vietnam, Global Aquaculture Alliance Certified BAP Standard: Pangasius Farms (2, 3, 4-star)

Environmental Notes

• Small inputs of fishmeal and fishoil from marine feed sources are required.
• Pangasius is native to the Mekong and therefore escaped fish are unlikely to have direct impacts on local ecosystems. However, the effects of disease on pangasius farms upon wild fish populations is unknown. Juveniles used in pangasius farming come from Vietnamese hatcheries and the trade of wild-caught broodstock is limited.
• Pollution from nutrients and organic matter occurs on a relatively small scale when compared to the wider nutrient load in the Mekong. Nevertheless, the cumulative input of effluent from pond water exchange and the disposal of pond sludge contributes to the region's pollution problem. The improper disposal of sludge waste from pond bottoms is especially problematic. Environmental issues are mitigated by the certification standards but discharge limits need improvement. Chemical inputs to Vietnamese pangasius culture are high and there are concerns about the use of antibiotics important to human health.

General Notes

• The environmental impacts described are addressed to some degree by certification.
• Legislation supports the adoption of area-based approaches to aquaculture planning and disease management, but there is no evidence of farms being sited according to aquaculture or disease management zones.

References:

FishSource - Pangasius, Vietnam

Good Fish Guide - Basa (Pangasius bocourti & Pangasius hypophthalmus), Global, GlobalG.A.P.

Seafood Watch, February 2014, Pangasius, Vietnam, Ponds (Updated June 7, 2021)

Environmental Notes

• While encounters with marine mammals and birds have been documented in this fishery, the impact on ETP species is not thought to be significant.
• There is no risk of bycatch for this fishery. Catches of other salmon species are accounted for in the pink salmon management.
• This fishery is unlikely to have a significant impact on the benthic habitat.

General Notes

References
MRAG Americas, April 2019, MSC 3rd Reassessment Report for Alaska Salmon Fishery

SCS Global Services, 2022, MSC Fishery Assessment Report Annette Islands Reserve Salmon Fishery Public Certification Report

Environmental Notes

• Set and drift gillnets can pose risks to diving seabirds. While encounters with marine mammals and birds have been documented in this fishery, the impact on ETP species is not thought to be significant.
• There is no risk of bycatch for this fishery. Catches of other salmon species are accounted for in the pink salmon management.
• This fishery is unlikely to have a significant impact on the benthic habitat.

General Notes

References
MRAG Americas, April 2019, MSC 3rd Reassessment Report for Alaska Salmon Fishery

SCS Global Services, 2022, MSC Fishery Assessment Report Annette Islands Reserve Salmon Fishery Public Certification Report

Environmental Notes

• Set and drift gillnets can pose risks to diving seabirds. While encounters with marine mammals and birds have been documented in this fishery, the impact on ETP species is not thought to be significant.
• There is no risk of bycatch for this fishery. Catches of other salmon species are accounted for in the pink salmon management.
• This fishery is unlikely to have a significant impact on the benthic habitat.

General Notes

References
MRAG Americas, April 2019, MSC 3rd Reassessment Report for Alaska Salmon Fishery

Environmental Notes

• While encounters with marine mammals and birds have been documented in this fishery, the impact on ETP species is not thought to be significant.
• There is no risk of bycatch for this fishery. Catches of other salmon species are accounted for in the pink salmon management.
• This fishery is unlikely to have a significant impact on the benthic habitat.

General Notes

References
MRAG Americas, April 2019, MSC 3rd Reassessment Report for Alaska Salmon Fishery

Environmental Notes

• Set and drift gillnets can pose risks to diving seabirds. While encounters with marine mammals and birds have been documented in this fishery, the impact on ETP species is not thought to be significant.
• There is no risk of bycatch for this fishery. Catches of other salmon species are accounted for in the pink salmon management.
• This fishery is unlikely to have a significant impact on the benthic habitat.

General Notes

References
MRAG Americas, April 2019, MSC 3rd Reassessment Report for Alaska Salmon Fishery

Environmental Notes

• While encounters with marine mammals and birds have been documented in this fishery, the impact on ETP species is not thought to be significant.
• There is no risk of bycatch for this fishery. Catches of other salmon species are accounted for in the pink salmon management.
• This fishery is unlikely to have a significant impact on the benthic habitat.

General Notes

References
MRAG Americas, April 2019, MSC 3rd Reassessment Report for Alaska Salmon Fishery

Environmental Notes

• While interactions with marine mammals have been documented in this fishery, entanglement in fishing gear is unlikely, and the impact on ETP species is not thought to be significant. Overall, few ETP species are present in the fishery area.
• Bycatch for this fishery is considered low. Salmon species account for the majority of the catch. No significant bycatch of seabirds has been observed but there is a risk that some entanglement of seabirds in the fishing gear may occur.
• This fishery is unlikely to have a significant impact on the benthic habitat.

General Notes

References
SCS Global Services, February 2021, MSC Public Certification Report for Iturup Pink & Chum Salmon Fisheries

Environmental Notes

• While vulnerable marine mammals and sea birds are present in the fishery area, no adverse impacts on them have been observed.
• Bycatch for this fishery is considered low.
• This fishery is unlikely to have a significant impact on the benthic habitat. Any impacts from the fishing gear are temporary.

General Notes

References

MRAG Americas, July 2020, Karaginsky Bay Salmon Fisheries Vostochny Bereg, Maksimovsky, Koryakmoreprodukt, Nachikinskoe & Severo Vostochnaya Public Certification Report

Environmental Notes

• This fishery is unlikely to impact ETP species.
• Bycatch for this fishery is considered low. But the use of live fish for bait may affect baitfish populations.
• This fishery is unlikely to have a significant impact on the sea bed.

General Notes

References

FisheryProgress, Eastern Atlantic Ocean tuna - pole & line.

Good Fish Guide - Skipjack tuna, East Atlantic, Hook & line (pole & line), Hook & line (troll)

Environmental Notes

• This fishery is unlikely to impact ETP species.
• Bycatch for this fishery is considered low. But the use of live fish for bait may affect baitfish populations.
• This fishery is unlikely to have a significant impact on the sea bed.

General Notes

References

FisheryProgress, Indonesia Indian Ocean skipjack tuna - pole & line

Good Fish Guide - Skipjack tuna, Indian Ocean: All areas, Hook & line (pole & line)

Environmental Notes

• This fishery is unlikely to impact ETP species.
• Bycatch for this fishery is considered low. There is some catch of yellowfin tuna but management measures are in place. The use of live baitfish is monitored and the Maldives has a livebait management plan.
• This fishery is unlikely to have a significant impact on the sea bed.

General Notes

References

Good Fish Guide - Skipjack tuna, Indian Ocean: Certified fleets only (Maldives), Hook & line (pole & line)

Environmental Notes

• This fishery is unlikely to impact ETP species.
• Bycatch for this fishery is considered low. But the use of live fish for bait may affect baitfish populations.
• This fishery is unlikely to have a significant impact on the sea bed.

General Notes

References

FisheryProgress, Indonesia Western and Central Pacific Ocean skipjack tuna - pole and line

Good Fish Guide - Skipjack tuna, Western and Central Pacific: All areas, Hook & line (pole & line)

Environmental Notes

• This fishery is unlikely to impact ETP species.
• Bycatch for this fishery is considered low.
• This fishery is unlikely to have a significant impact on the benthic habitat.

General Notes

References
MRAG Americas, April 2019, MSC Public Certification Report for the Alaska Salmon Fishery

Environmental Notes

• Fishmeal and fish oil from marine feed sources are used but semi-intensive production systems use limited amounts of feed meaning that the feed footprint is low.
• Disease transfer between farmed and wild prawns is a concern but impacts do not appear to be significant. Farms are prone to flooding, which increases the risk of escape events occurring, but escape prevention measures are used. Shrimp farmed in Ecuador are raised from hatchery-raised native broodstock, therefore lowering the risk to wild shrimp populations of competition or genetic interactions.
• The low stocking densities of whiteleg shrimp allow for minimal inputs of chemicals and antibiotics.

General Notes

• The environmental impacts described are addressed to some degree by certification.
• The government has adopted a farm-based approach to aquaculture regulations and licensing.
  

References:

FishSource - shrimp, Ecuador

Good Fish Guide - King prawn, South America: Ecuador, Honduras, Pond, semi-intensive

Good Fish Guide - King prawn, Global, Pond, freshwater, Aquaculture Stewardship Council (ASC)

Seafood Watch, March 2021, Whiteleg shrimp, Ecuador, Semi-intensive Ponds

Environmental Notes

• Fishmeal and fish oil from marine feed sources are used. Certification criteria encourage the use of responsibly sourced marine products in feed.
• Disease transfer between farmed and wild prawns is a concern but infrequent water exchange on whiteleg shrimp farms moderates the risk. Information on escapes is limited. Shrimp farmed in Ecuador are raised from hatchery-raised native broodstock, therefore lowering the risk to wild shrimp populations if interbreeding does occur, however, interbreeding may still result in reduced genetic fitness.
• Pollution from nutrients and organic matter, as well as chemical inputs, may affect local water quality. Impacts on water quality vary depending on farm practices including the frequency of waste discharge from ponds.

General Notes

• The environmental impacts described are addressed to some degree by certification.
• The government has adopted a farm-based approach to aquaculture regulations and licensing.

References

FishSource - Shrimp, Ecuador

Good Fish Guide - King prawn, Global, Pond, freshwater, Global Aquaculture Alliance Best Aquaculture Practices (GAA BAP) 4*

Seafood Watch, March 2021, Whiteleg shrimp, Ecuador, Semi-intensive Ponds

Seafood Watch Recommended Eco-Certifications for Whiteleg shrimp

Environmental Notes

• Fishmeal and fish oil from marine feed sources are used but semi-intensive production systems use limited amounts of feed meaning that the feed footprint is low. The certification criteria are lacking in requirements for responsible sourcing of feed ingredients.
• Disease transfer between farmed and wild prawns is a concern but impacts do not appear to be significant. Farms are prone to flooding, which increases the risk of escape events occurring, but escape prevention measures are used. Shrimp farmed in Ecuador are raised from hatchery-raised native broodstock, therefore lowering the risk to wild shrimp populations of competition or genetic interactions.
• The low stocking densities of whiteleg shrimp allow for minimal inputs of chemicals and antibiotics.

General Notes

• The environmental impacts described are addressed to some degree by certification.
• The government has adopted a farm-based approach to aquaculture regulations and licensing.
  

References:

FishSource - shrimp, Ecuador

Good Fish Guide - King prawn, South America: Ecuador, Honduras, Pond, semi-intensive

Good Fish Guide - King prawn, Global, Pond, freshwater, GLOBALG.A.P.

Seafood Watch, March 2021, Whiteleg shrimp, Ecuador, Semi-intensive Ponds

Environmental Notes

• The use of wild fish in Honduran shrimp feed inputs is low.
• Disease transfer between farmed and wild prawns is a concern for the region but the low stocking densities used in Honduras help to reduce the risk of outbreaks. Information on escapes from shrimp farms is limited. Whiteleg shrimp are native to Honduras, therefore lowering the environmental risk from escapes, however there is still potential for interbreeding with wild shrimp populations to result in reduced genetic fitness.
• Feed and chemical inputs are limited, thereby reducing the risk of impacts on local water quality. Impacts vary depending on farm practices including the frequency of waste discharge from ponds. Some farms have been found to exceed regulatory limits for waste discharge.

General Notes

• The environmental impacts described are addressed to some degree by certification.

References:

FishSource - shrimp, Honduras

Good Fish Guide - King prawn, South America: Ecuador and Honduras, Pond, semi-intensive

Good Fish Guide - King prawn, Global, Pond, freshwater, Aquaculture Stewardship Council (ASC)

Seafood Watch, July 2015, Farmed Whiteleg Shrimp, Honduras, Ponds

Seafood Watch, Whiteleg shrimp, Worldwide, Aquaculture Stewardship Council Certified Shrimp Standard

Environmental Notes

• The use of wild fish in Honduran shrimp feed inputs is low.
• Disease transfer between farmed and wild prawns is a concern and is exacerbated by the practice of frequent water exchanges. Information on escapes from shrimp farms is limited. Whiteleg shrimp are native to Honduras, therefore lowering the environmental risk from escapes, however there is still potential for interbreeding with wild shrimp populations to result in reduced genetic fitness.
• Pollution from nutrients and organic matter, as well as chemical inputs, may affect local water quality. Impacts on water quality vary depending on farm practices including the frequency of waste discharge from ponds. Some farms have been found to exceed regulatory limits for waste discharge.

General Notes

• The environmental impacts described are addressed to some degree by certification.

References:

Good Fish Guide - King prawn, Global, Global Aquaculture Alliance Best Aquaculture Practices (GAA BAP) 4* certification

Seafood Watch, Whiteleg shrimp, Worldwide, Best Aquaculture Practices (BAP) Certified

Seafood Watch, July 2015, Farmed Whiteleg Shrimp, Honduras, Ponds

Environmental Notes

• The use of wild fish in Honduran shrimp feed inputs is low.
• Disease transfer between farmed and wild prawns is a concern and is exacerbated by the practice of frequent water exchanges. Information on escapes from shrimp farms is limited. Whiteleg shrimp are native to Honduras, therefore lowering the environmental risk from escapes, however there is still potential for interbreeding with wild shrimp populations to result in reduced genetic fitness.
• Pollution from nutrients and organic matter, as well as chemical inputs, may affect local water quality. Impacts on water quality vary depending on farm practices including the frequency of waste discharge from ponds. Some farms have been found to exceed regulatory limits for waste discharge.

General Notes

• The environmental impacts described are addressed to some degree by certification.

References:

FishSource - Shrimp, Honduras

Good Fish Guide - King prawn, Global, GLOBALG.A.P. certification

Seafood Watch, July 2015, Farmed Whiteleg Shrimp, Honduras, Ponds

Environmental Notes

• Fishmeal and fish oil from marine feed sources are used. Certification criteria encourage the use of responsibly sourced marine products in feed. But there is little transparency on the ingredients used in feed across the sector.
• Disease transfer between farmed and wild prawns is a concern. Whiteleg shrimp are not native to Indonesia and there is potential for ecological impacts from escapes but there is no evidence of the species becoming established in the wild.
• Pollution from nutrients and organic matter, as well as chemical inputs, may affect local water quality and cumulative impacts across a region may occur. The use of antibiotics important to human health and continued use of illegal antibiotics is a concern.

General Notes

• The environmental impacts described are addressed to some degree by certification.
• Legislation on zonal planning that is relevant to aquaculture does exist. The government has produced a coastal and marine spatial plan that identifies multiple aquaculture zones.

References:

FishSource - Shrimp, Indonesia

Good Fish Guide - King prawn, Asia: Vietnam, India and Indonesia, Pond, semi-intensive and intensive

Good Fish Guide - King prawn, Global, Pond, freshwater, Aquaculture Stewardship Council (ASC)

Seafood Watch, December 2015, Giant Tiger Prawn, Whiteleg Shrimp, Indonesia, Ponds

Seafood Watch, Whiteleg shrimp, Worldwide, Aquaculture Stewardship Council Certified Shrimp Standard

Environmental Notes

• Fishmeal and fish oil from marine feed sources are used. Certification criteria encourage the use of responsibly sourced marine products in feed. But there is little transparency on the ingredients used in feed across the sector.
• Disease transfer between farmed and wild prawns is a concern. Whiteleg shrimp are not native to Indonesia and there is potential for ecological impacts from escapes but there is no evidence of the species becoming established in the wild.
• Pollution from nutrients and organic matter, as well as chemical inputs, may affect local water quality and cumulative impacts across a region may occur. The use of antibiotics important to human health and continued use of illegal antibiotics is a concern.

General Notes

• The environmental impacts described are addressed to some degree by certification.
• Legislation on zonal planning that is relevant to aquaculture does exist. The government has produced a coastal and marine spatial plan that identifies multiple aquaculture zones.

References:

FishSource - Shrimp, Indonesia

Good Fish Guide - King prawn, Asia: Vietnam, India and Indonesia, Pond, semi-intensive and intensive

Good Fish Guide - King prawn, Global, Pond, freshwater, Global Aquaculture Alliance Best Aquaculture Practices (GAA BAP) 4*

Seafood Watch, December 2015, Giant Tiger Prawn, Whiteleg Shrimp, Indonesia, Ponds

Seafood Watch Recommended Eco-Certifications for Whiteleg shrimp

Environmental Notes

• Most shrimp culture in Nicaragua relies on inputs of fishmeal and fish oil from marine feed sources. The sustainability of source fisheries is unknown, but certification criteria encourage the use of responsibly sourced marine products in feed.
• Habitat conversion for Nicaraguan shrimp farms has affected areas important to shore birds. Escapes can occur during water exchanges and flooding incidences. Shrimp farmed in Nicaragua are native to the country and interbreeding with wild populations may result in reduced genetic fitness. Information on the use of wild shrimp populations as a source of stock is limited. Disease transfer from farmed shrimp to wild shrimp populations in Nicaragua has not been reported.
• Pollution from nutrients and organic matter, as well as chemical inputs, may affect local water quality. Impacts on water quality vary depending on farm practices including the frequency of waste discharge from ponds.

General Notes

• The environmental impacts described are addressed to some degree by certification.

References:

Good Fish Guide - King prawn, Global, Aquaculture Stewardship Council (ASC)

Seafood Watch Recommended Eco-Certifications for Whiteleg shrimp

Seafood Watch, February 2024, White‐leg shrimp, Nicaragua, Ponds

Environmental Notes

• Most shrimp culture in Nicaragua relies on inputs of fishmeal and fish oil from marine feed sources. The sustainability of source fisheries is unknown, but certification criteria encourage the use of responsibly sourced marine products in feed.
• Habitat conversion for Nicaraguan shrimp farms has affected areas important to shore birds. Escapes can occur during water exchanges and flooding incidences. Shrimp farmed in Nicaragua are native to the country and interbreeding with wild populations may result in reduced genetic fitness. Information on the use of wild shrimp populations as a source of stock is limited. Disease transfer from farmed shrimp to wild shrimp populations in Nicaragua has not been reported.
• Pollution from nutrients and organic matter, as well as chemical inputs, may affect local water quality. Impacts on water quality vary depending on farm practices including the frequency of waste discharge from ponds.

General Notes

• The environmental impacts described are addressed to some degree by certification.

References:

Good Fish Guide - King prawns, Global, Global Aquaculture Alliance Best Aquaculture Practices (GAA BAP) 4*

Seafood Watch, February 2024, White‐leg shrimp, Nicaragua, Ponds

Seafood Watch Recommended Eco-Certifications for Whiteleg shrimp

Environmental Notes

• Most shrimp culture in Nicaragua relies on inputs of fishmeal and fish oil from marine feed sources. The sustainability of source fisheries is unknown, but certification criteria encourage the use of responsibly sourced marine products in feed.
• Habitat conversion for Nicaraguan shrimp farms has affected areas important to shore birds. Escapes can occur during water exchanges and flooding incidences. Shrimp farmed in Nicaragua are native to the country and interbreeding with wild populations may result in reduced genetic fitness. Information on the use of wild shrimp populations as a source of stock is limited. Disease transfer from farmed shrimp to wild shrimp populations in Nicaragua has not been reported.
• Pollution from nutrients and organic matter, as well as chemical inputs, may affect local water quality. Impacts on water quality vary depending on farm practices including the frequency of waste discharge from ponds.

General Notes

• The environmental impacts described are addressed to some degree by certification.

References:

Good Fish Guide - King prawns, Global, GlobalG.A.P.

Seafood Watch, February 2024, White‐leg shrimp, Nicaragua, Ponds

Environmental Notes

• Fishmeal and fishoil from marine feed sources are used. Certification criteria encourage the use of responsibly sourced marine products in feed.
• Disease transfer between farmed and wild prawns is a concern but infrequent water exchange on whiteleg shrimp farms moderates the risk. Whiteleg shrimp are not native to Thailand and there is potential for ecological impacts from escapes.
• Pollution from nutrients and organic matter, as well as chemical inputs, may affect local water quality. Impacts on water quality vary depending on the frequency of waste discharge from ponds.

General Notes

• The environmental impacts described are addressed to some degree by certification.
• Shrimp farming is restricted to designated shrimp aquaculture zones, however, the cumulative impact of multiple farms does not appear to have been considered.

References:

FishSource - Shrimp, Thailand

Good Fish Guide - King prawns, Global, Aquaculture Stewardship Council (ASC)

Seafood Watch, July 2020, Whiteleg Shrimp, Thailand, Intensive ponds

Seafood Watch Recommended Eco-Certifications for Whiteleg shrimp

Environmental Notes

• Fishmeal and fishoil from marine feed sources are used. Certification criteria encourage the use of responsibly sourced marine products in feed.
• Disease transfer between farmed and wild prawns is a concern but infrequent water exchange on whiteleg shrimp farms moderates the risk. Whiteleg shrimp are not native to Thailand and there is potential for ecological impacts from escapes.
• Pollution from nutrients and organic matter, as well as chemical inputs, may affect local water quality. Impacts on water quality vary depending on the frequency of waste discharge from ponds.

General Notes

• The environmental impacts described are addressed to some degree by certification.
• Shrimp farming is restricted to designated shrimp aquaculture zones, however, the cumulative impact of multiple farms does not appear to have been considered.

References:

FishSource - Shrimp, Thailand

Good Fish Guide - King prawn, Global, Global Aquaculture Alliance Best Aquaculture Practices (GAA BAP) 4* certification

Seafood Watch, July 2020, Whiteleg Shrimp, Thailand, Intensive ponds

Seafood Watch, Whiteleg shrimp, Worldwide, Best Aquaculture Practices (BAP) Certified

Environmental Notes

• Fishmeal and fish oil from marine feed sources are used. Certification criteria encourage the use of responsibly sourced marine products in feed. But there is little transparency on the ingredients used in feed across the sector.
• Disease transfer between farmed and wild prawns is a concern but infrequent water exchange on whiteleg shrimp farms moderates this risk. Whiteleg shrimp are not native to Vietnam and there is potential for ecological impacts from escape but there is no evidence of the species becoming established in the wild.
• Pollution from nutrients and organic matter, as well as chemical inputs, may affect local water quality. Intensive shrimp farms with higher nutrient inputs produce more waste and are associated with greater concerns around pollution. The use of antimicrobials important to human health and evidence of continued use of illegal antimicrobials is a concern.

General Notes

• The environmental impacts described are addressed to some degree by certification.
• The aquaculture industry is currently managed under a farm-based approach

References:

FishSource - Shrimp, Vietnam

Good Fish Guide - King prawn, Asia: Vietnam, India and Indonesia, Pond, semi-intensive and intensive

Good Fish Guide - King prawn, Global, Pond, freshwater, Aquaculture Stewardship Council (ASC)

Seafood Watch, January 2023, Whiteleg Shrimp, Giant Tiger Prawn, Vietnam, Ponds

Seafood Watch, Whiteleg shrimp, Worldwide, Aquaculture Stewardship Council Certified Shrimp Standard

Environmental Notes

• Fishmeal and fish oil from marine feed sources are used. Certification criteria encourage the use of responsibly sourced marine products in feed. But there is little transparency on the ingredients used in feed across the sector.
• Disease transfer between farmed and wild prawns is a concern but infrequent water exchange on whiteleg shrimp farms moderates this risk. Whiteleg shrimp are not native to Vietnam and there is potential for ecological impacts from escape but there is no evidence of the species becoming established in the wild.
• Pollution from nutrients and organic matter, as well as chemical inputs, may affect local water quality. Intensive shrimp farms with higher nutrient inputs produce more waste and are associated with greater concerns around pollution. The use of antimicrobials important to human health and evidence of continued use of illegal antimicrobials is a concern.

General Notes

• The environmental impacts described are addressed to some degree by certification.
• The aquaculture industry is currently managed under a farm-based approach.

References:

FishSource - Shrimp, Vietnam

Good Fish Guide - King prawn, Global, Global Seafood Alliance Best Aquaculture Practices (GAA BAP) 2-3*

Good Fish Guide - King prawn, Global, Global Aquaculture Alliance Best Aquaculture Practices (GAA BAP) 4* certification

Seafood Watch, January 2023, Whiteleg Shrimp, Giant Tiger Prawn, Vietnam, Ponds

Seafood Watch, Whiteleg shrimp, Worldwide, Best Aquaculture Practices (BAP) Certified

Environmental Notes

• • Fishmeal and fish oil from marine feed sources are used. Certification criteria encourage the use of responsibly sourced marine products in feed. But there is little transparency on the ingredients used in feed across the sector.
  • Disease transfer between farmed and wild prawns is a concern but infrequent water exchange on whiteleg shrimp farms moderates this risk. Whiteleg shrimp are not native to Vietnam and there is potential for ecological impacts from escape but there is no evidence of the species becoming established in the wild.
  • Pollution from nutrients and organic matter, as well as chemical inputs, may affect local water quality. Intensive shrimp farms with higher nutrient inputs produce more waste and are associated with greater concerns around pollution. The use of antimicrobials important to human health and evidence of continued use of illegal antimicrobials is a concern.

General Notes

• The environmental impacts described are addressed to some degree by certification.
• The aquaculture industry is currently managed under a farm-based approach

References:

FishSource - Shrimp, Vietnam

Good Fish Guide - King prawn, Global, Pond, freshwater, GlobalG.A.P.

Seafood Watch, January 2023, Whiteleg Shrimp, Giant Tiger Prawn, Vietnam, Ponds

Environmental Notes

• This fishery is unlikely to impact ETP species.
• Bycatch for this fishery is considered low.
• Bottom trawls will directly impact on the sea bed.

General Notes

References

MRAG Americas, 2015, MSC Public Certification Report for Bering Sea-Aleutian Islands Alaska Flatfish Fishery