The Argentine red shrimp fishery has become the first coastal shrimp fishery in Argentina to be awarded Marine Stewardship Council (MSC) certification.
This milestone follows a decade of efforts to enhance fishery management, improve monitoring and minimise environmental impacts in the country’s Chubut province, part of the biodiverse Patagonian coast.
“Obtaining MSC certification is the result of hard teamwork, ensuring the long-term sustainability of shrimp fishing in Chubut,” said Federico Angeleri, representative of the client group.
“We take great pride in contributing to the region’s economic development while maintaining the highest environmental standards. This certification opens new doors in the market, allowing us to offer a certified, high-quality shrimp product.”
The certification covers the onshore operations of small and medium-sized chilling vessels, which contribute significantly to the local economy by supporting coastal communities and sustaining jobs.
With an annual catch of approximately 72,000 tonnes, these shrimp (Pleoticus muelleri) are exported to markets in the US, Europe and Asia, and have become one of the fastest-growing seafood sub-categories globally.
The offshore portion, catching around 140,000 tonnes annually, is under assessment, with certification expected by the end of 2025.
The fishery’s certification process has been spearheaded by fishing companies including Achernar, Agropez and Iberconsa de Argentina, with the support of the NGO Cedepesca.
