Centre for Marinelife Conservation and Community Development (MCD

Biodiversity has found a safe haven in the Mekong Delta, where 44 Ramsar areas are located. Around 18 million people and 450 aquatic species coexist. Nevertheless, all living things in this delta have been affected by climate change. Rainfall amounts during the wet and dry seasons vary greatly, and average temperatures are forecasted to rise. The mid-delta region is also prone to saline intrusion, which tends to occur earlier and persist longer than in previous years, which is becoming a major concern. 

In light of this, the "Strengthening Ecological Farmed Shrimp Sustainability and Animal Welfare in Ca Mau Province, Mekong Delta of Vietnam" initiative was launched. This project is a joint effort with the Centre for Marinelife Conservation and Community Development (MCD) and World Animal Protection to improve ecological shrimp farming, ensure food safety and animal welfare, and enhance access to markets and sustainable development in Ca Mau, Mekong Delta, Vietnam.  

Considering Shrimp Welfare

In Vietnam, shrimp welfare is a growing concept. There are currently no specific standards or guidelines regarding the welfare of shrimp among local governments, social organizations, and seafood companies. To pave the way for practices that consider and improve shrimp welfare in the Mekong Delta, MCD has collaborated with specialists to develop shrimp standards based on international frameworks.

This project has further developed criteria which are founded on the principles of good knowledge for farm workers on animal welfare, maintaining good shrimp health, proper feeding practices, and appropriate behaviour. It has proposed criteria that encompass farming responsibilities for shrimp welfare, biosecurity and health protection for shrimp, water quality, and the quality of food supply and feeding methods. These criteria will be essential in establishing practices that will contribute to a more humane and sustainable shrimp farming environment.

Shrimp Welfare in the Age of Climate Change

In pursuit of its goal, the project undertakes an evaluation of the existing practices and living conditions of shrimp in the extensive mangrove-shrimp and rice-shrimp farming systems. It subsequently formulates a trial/demonstration plan to safeguard the welfare of farmed shrimp in the designated regions of Ca Mau province. Technical training is provided to enhance the capacity of farmers, showcasing sustainable shrimp production in accordance with food safety and animal welfare standards/guidelines. Support and monitoring for the pilot demonstration are provided to ensure the welfare of farmed shrimp in the designated regions. Efforts like these are being made to strengthen the ecological sustainability of farmed shrimp and animal welfare in the Mekong Delta, a haven for biodiversity.