Sustainable Fisheries Partnership (SFP) has announced that a Mexican shrimp fishery involved in a long-term improvement project (FIP) is now eligible for Fair Trade USA (FTUSA)’s capture fisheries standard.
The certification is the first for Mexico and a first for shrimp fisheries worldwide.
“In partnership with SFP, we are excited to celebrate the first Fair Trade Certified seafood in Mexico,” said Ashley Apel, the seafood program manager at FTUSA.
He added: “By purchasing seafood that is both socially ethical and responsibly harvested, consumers can have a direct, positive impact on fishing communities in Sinaloa.”
Del Pacifico Seafoods, based in Hermosa Beach, California, holds the certification, along with its supplier MHMR International, which has eight small-scale cooperatives of artisanal shrimp producers in Sinaloa, Mexico currently participating in the FIP.
To earn the certification, the producers had to meet a series of detailed criteria which is designed to promote worker empowerment, local economic development, social responsibility and environmental stewardship.
The Sinaloa fishery began the audit process for certification in September 2015 and received certification in January 2016.
Juan Manuel Caudillo, SFP’s deputy fisheries director, said: “SFP helped industry prepare for this important milestone, but Del Pacifico and MHMR showed true leadership in supporting the fishermen to make the improvements and plans necessary for Fair Trade certification.”
“We hope this serves as a model that spreads to other shrimp fisheries in the world and other fisheries in Mexico,” he continued.
In the northwest Pacific coast of Mexico, including the Gulf of California, shrimp is one of the most important exports. It’s economic value averages US$260m with 750 bottom trawlers and 18,000 small-scale vessels.
Sergio Castro, President and founder of Del Pacifico, praised the work of the fishermen following the certification.
He concluded: “We noticed other processors and shrimp importers were not informing consumers and the industry of the good job these fishermen are doing: developing a unique technique and gear that is good for the environment."
