SHRIMP WELFARE PROJECT

The project protected farmed shrimp by improving policies and practices pertaining to farmed shrimp health and welfare by developing a platform for advocacy allowing participation of key stakeholders among SEAFISH members as well as supply chain actors. The project launched awareness campaign, conducted lobbying activities with key government agencies, and engaged the concerned private sector stakeholders.

Improvements of the market and welfare standards for shrimp, as well as responding to policy gaps, were initiated when Tambuyog started this project. Continuous promotion and lobbying to relevant government agencies and concerned shrimp producers will ensure that concrete changes in the written policies of the country and behavioral changes in farm practices are carried out. Consistent with its objectives, the project reached a number of people informed and aware on the issues of farmed animal health and welfare. They are expected to become potential addition to the animal protection movement.

To support the development the advocacy, the project produced two (2) review papers tackling the 1) animal/shrimp welfare standards in the international and country level
market, and 2) laws and policies related to animal welfare and protection in 3 countries (which countries?). Based on the results of these studies, proposals were developed that will aid in the improvement of country-level market standards and in addressing policy gaps. The proposed recommendations were then presented to the relevant government agencies for corresponding actions and to aquaculture supply chain actors
for information and guidance in farm practices.

Building on the findings of the studies, the project presented the Aquaculture Welfare Indicators and the Status of Laws related to Aquatic Animal Welfare during the two-day Philippine Veterinary Medical Association (PVMA)  conference. The discussion on welfare issues generated inquiries from the participants of the technical workshop.