Sustainable Shrimp Farming in the Gulf of Morrosquillo

Original project description

The initiative, established in 2006, helps to produce gourmet quality fresh shrimps from sustainable farming. The shrimps are farmed and harvested by utilising a unique ecological production process. The heterotrophic “Zero Wastewater” technology optimises the shrimp farming process by using a clean production system in which zero waste water is created. It offers an alternative to conventional fishing, replacing marine exploitation and overfishing and thereby protecting marine ecosystems and contributing to environmental protection.
The initiative will develop five small production units where fishermen will be trained. It offers them an alternative way of generating sustainable income and employment through a sustainable value chain of shrimp farming. This will improve the coastal population’s quality of life in the Morrosquillo Gulf, a region where few work opportunities are available. Additionally, the value chain includes fishermen’s families, thus maximizing the project’s impact on the community.
A unique aspect is that the shrimps are not frozen but come in specialised packaging. The product targets local people, tourists, and restaurants and is offered to selected markets and supermarkets that are interested in a clean and fair product.
The initiative demonstrates to the worldwide shrimp industry that sustainable production is possible and economically viable. The aim is for it to be adopted by fishermen and small-scale producers in the worldwide shrimp industry.

Current project updates

No update available.

Growth plans description

The initiative, financed by Coveñas and the Instituto Morrosquillo, is currently constructing the first tank to further validate its technological approach. It seeks to:
• validate the minimum production unit required to attain economic sustainability
• reach 50% growth per unit each year by reinvesting the sales
• add another production unit each year
• train a new group of fishermen each year; each group will be supported for two years to gain the skills required for leading a unit.

Current Needs

• Support in networking with national /international partners and relevant NGOs
• Support in market research
• Support with the training of fishermen in business administration

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