Ecuador’s shrimp industry has strengthened its commitment to environmental sustainability by signing a new cooperation agreement with Conservation International Ecuador to protect and restore the country’s vital mangroves.
The agreement, signed with the National Chamber of Aquaculture of Ecuador, covers mangrove conservation, restoration, monitoring, technical studies and community-based initiatives.
“From Ecuador to the world, we don’t just export shrimp,” said a spokesperson for Ecuador First Class Shrimp.
“We export excellence, responsibility and a way of doing things right. This agreement reflects the commitment of an industry that understands that protecting ecosystems is also part of producing with purpose.”
Mangroves provide essential benefits such as biodiversity protection, carbon sequestration, coastal resilience and support for livelihoods.
As part of the initial commitments, the organisations will work to conserve 250 hectares of priority mangrove areas while advancing restoration projects, developing community nurseries and improving the long-term survival of newly planted mangrove species.
Representatives involved in the partnership said the agreement demonstrates how collaboration between industry and conservation organisations can generate practical environmental outcomes while supporting sustainable economic development.
Equador exported 165,538 metric tonnes of shrimp in May, a 9% year-on-year increase and the country’s largest volume ever shipped in a single month.
The country’s shrimp export value also hit a high in May, reaching US$847 million, an 8% increase from 2025.
