"Organic" shrimp farming in Ecuador

An "organic" shrimp farm in Ecuador.

We have investigated so called environmental friendly shrimp farming in Ecuador, and our recommendation is simply: don't eat tropical shrimp, even if they they are labelled "organic"!

The extent of the impact of conventional shrimp farming in Bangladesh is staggering, but the fact that not even standards for organic production can guarantee a “better product”, and that the so called environmentally friendly choice is actually contributing to environmental degradation and loss of livelihoods in some of Ecuador’s poorest and most marginalised communities, is deeply disturbing.

We have investigated the production of shrimp in Ecuador which is certified by among others German organisation Naturland and EuroLeaf, and sold in supermarkets and stores across Europe. 

– Organic certification is an important tool which enables consumers to consume sustainably. But when it comes to tropical prawns, it appears consumers are currently being fooled, says Mikael Karlsson president of SSNC.

The large-scale shrimp production in Ecuador that we have investigated is certified as organic, despite the fact that the shrimp farms are infringing both the standards for organic aquaculture as well as Ecuadorian law. Previously destroyed mangroves are not reforested as required by Naturland and the Ecuadorian state, one of the four producers operate without concessions approved by the Ecuadorian state and at least two violate the human rights of fishers and shell fish collectors on a daily basis. Members of the local communities are no longer allowed to travel the public waterways in the vicinities of the farm without special permits. Many waterways are closed with fences. One guard interviewed in the film explains how he chases local fishers away by shooting.

– It is a common misconception that local communities are benefitting from export-oriented shrimp farming, particularly when certified. This is not the case. Many community members testify about the loss of natural resources and, as a consequence, loss of livelihoods. In addition, those who continue to fish raise concern about their safety, according to Kajsa Garpe, Policy Officer Tropical Marine Ecosystems and Fisheries.

– Regarding tropical shrimp, the recommendation is simply: don’t eat them! There are no environmentally friendly or fair trade shrimp, says Mikael Karlsson