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K. Bostick
7.3.5 Conduct Research
Many NGOs conduct or commission aquaculture related research in order to clarify
impacts, explore alternative technologies, identify better producers, and inform
programmatic strategies. For example, Pendleton et al. (2005) conducted an analysis of the economic viability of closed containment production systems for salmon
culture for CAAR. CAAR is one of a number of NGOs that promote closed containment technology as a means of eliminating or minimizing the key impacts of
salmon aquaculture. An understanding of the economic costs and benefits of such
systems better enables NGOs to debate their use. As another example, WWF-US
and partners are conducting farm-by-farm surveys of catfish producers in Alabama
and shrimp producers in Madagascar and Belize to collect baseline data on production practices and impacts in order to then develop standards for production.
NGOs will partner with other organizations to identify research priorities, and to
commission research. One example of this is the World Bank/FAO/NACA/WWFUS Consortium on Shrimp Farming and the Environment. The organizations collaborated in order to identify gaps in information related to the environmental and
social impacts of shrimp culture. The Consortium then funded research and case
studies to fill these gaps, resulting in over 35 original reports.
NGOs also support, communicate, and partner with independent scientists conducting research that is related to the impacts of aquaculture. Scientists from universities around the world are conducting research from which NGOs will draw
information. Stakeholders in WWF-initiated Aquaculture Dialogues have jointly
commissioned independent reviews of impacts and the drafting of standards for specific species. In another example, marine biologists from the Fundación Huinay
research station are documenting the oceanographic conditions and benthic communities in several fjords in southern Chile. NGOs, governments, and industry can then
use this baseline data to help identify types and extent of impacts of aquaculture.
7.3.6 Negotiate and Partner with Industry
NGOs and industry representatives can also work together to reach mutually beneficial arrangements. NGOs try to enlist support from the aquaculture industry for
conservation efforts such as marine protected areas, coastal zone management, and
improved management of reduction fisheries. In 2003 in Norway, a major aquaculture producer issued a public corporate statement supporting the creation of marine
protected areas. The statement helped WWF-Norway influence parliament to pass
related legislation and later that year the Norwegian government prohibited salmon
aquaculture in 13 rivers in order to protect wild Atlantic salmon populations (Esmark
personal Communication; Porter 2003). Both parties have something to gain from
such initiatives. In the case of reduction fisheries management, NGOs are aiming to
prevent overfishing and influence governmental decisions while the industry is seeking to ensure sustainable sources of fishmeal and fish oil well into the future.
K. Bostick
7.3.5 Conduct Research
Many NGOs conduct or commission aquaculture related research in order to clarify
impacts, explore alternative technologies, identify better producers, and inform
programmatic strategies. For example, Pendleton et al. (2005) conducted an analysis of the economic viability of closed containment production systems for salmon
culture for CAAR. CAAR is one of a number of NGOs that promote closed containment technology as a means of eliminating or minimizing the key impacts of
salmon aquaculture. An understanding of the economic costs and benefits of such
systems better enables NGOs to debate their use. As another example, WWF-US
and partners are conducting farm-by-farm surveys of catfish producers in Alabama
and shrimp producers in Madagascar and Belize to collect baseline data on production practices and impacts in order to then develop standards for production.
NGOs will partner with other organizations to identify research priorities, and to
commission research. One example of this is the World Bank/FAO/NACA/WWFUS Consortium on Shrimp Farming and the Environment. The organizations collaborated in order to identify gaps in information related to the environmental and
social impacts of shrimp culture. The Consortium then funded research and case
studies to fill these gaps, resulting in over 35 original reports.
NGOs also support, communicate, and partner with independent scientists conducting research that is related to the impacts of aquaculture. Scientists from universities around the world are conducting research from which NGOs will draw
information. Stakeholders in WWF-initiated Aquaculture Dialogues have jointly
commissioned independent reviews of impacts and the drafting of standards for specific species. In another example, marine biologists from the Fundación Huinay
research station are documenting the oceanographic conditions and benthic communities in several fjords in southern Chile. NGOs, governments, and industry can then
use this baseline data to help identify types and extent of impacts of aquaculture.
7.3.6 Negotiate and Partner with Industry
NGOs and industry representatives can also work together to reach mutually beneficial arrangements. NGOs try to enlist support from the aquaculture industry for
conservation efforts such as marine protected areas, coastal zone management, and
improved management of reduction fisheries. In 2003 in Norway, a major aquaculture producer issued a public corporate statement supporting the creation of marine
protected areas. The statement helped WWF-Norway influence parliament to pass
related legislation and later that year the Norwegian government prohibited salmon
aquaculture in 13 rivers in order to protect wild Atlantic salmon populations (Esmark
personal Communication; Porter 2003). Both parties have something to gain from
such initiatives. In the case of reduction fisheries management, NGOs are aiming to
prevent overfishing and influence governmental decisions while the industry is seeking to ensure sustainable sources of fishmeal and fish oil well into the future.