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K. Bostick
certifiers. However, given the numerous certification programs currently in existence,
such an entity would require a critical mass of supporters across a wide variety of
stakeholders to be financially viable over the long term.
7.5 Trends, Obstacles and Uncertainties for NGO Activities
A number of trends, obstacles, and uncertainties influence NGOs working on aquaculture. The aquaculture industry is dynamic, yet forming working relationships
between NGOs and industry and then addressing key issues are not short term
projects. The consolidations, mergers, and bankruptcies of producers, feed manufacturers, or retailers can make it difficult for NGOs to maintain long-term relationships and agreements with companies.
The majority of the NGOs that work on aquaculture are small, local organizations. There are relatively few international groups working globally. And with the
exception of seafood guides which identify ecologically friendly choices, NGO
work focuses on the segments of the aquaculture industry where there are the greatest
perceived impacts. This is reflected above in discussions of NGO activities related
to aquaculture, which most frequently focus on shrimp and salmon. When WWF
began their Mollusc Aquaculture Dialogue in 2004, it rapidly became clear that
only a few NGOs had thought about the sustainability of these systems or had the
time and funding to do so. In order to develop independent, industry and NGO supported standards for mollusc production, WWF will need to work with the NGO
community to identify any locally specific negative impacts of these production
systems.
NGO ability to address issues is dependent on funding, which can be unpredictable. Funding from foundations is primarily focused on shorter term projects lasting
no more than two or three years. Yet the most meaningful and credible relationships
with industry, retailers, or other partners often take several years to develop.
Industry partners are another potential funding source, and companies often provide some support to NGOs with whom they partner. However, receiving major
financial support from companies can compromise credibility of a project or NGO,
especially in developing countries.
A lack of data can be an obstacle for both NGOs and industry, and interpretations of data can be problematic when these and other stakeholders work together.
Generally speaking, there exists a large body of scientific literature related to the
environment and aquaculture. For some geographic regions, such as China, or for
some issues, such as many social impacts, there are gaps or contradictions in the
information, leading to uncertainty regarding trends and the extent of impacts.
In cases where there is abundant data, different parties interpret data in different
ways. Additionally, the science can be quite controversial. On some topics there is
a perception or reality that the literature is biased either towards industry interests or
NGO beliefs. In the WWF-initiated Salmon Aquaculture Dialogue, stakeholders
commissioned state of information reports completed by teams of scientists that
K. Bostick
certifiers. However, given the numerous certification programs currently in existence,
such an entity would require a critical mass of supporters across a wide variety of
stakeholders to be financially viable over the long term.
7.5 Trends, Obstacles and Uncertainties for NGO Activities
A number of trends, obstacles, and uncertainties influence NGOs working on aquaculture. The aquaculture industry is dynamic, yet forming working relationships
between NGOs and industry and then addressing key issues are not short term
projects. The consolidations, mergers, and bankruptcies of producers, feed manufacturers, or retailers can make it difficult for NGOs to maintain long-term relationships and agreements with companies.
The majority of the NGOs that work on aquaculture are small, local organizations. There are relatively few international groups working globally. And with the
exception of seafood guides which identify ecologically friendly choices, NGO
work focuses on the segments of the aquaculture industry where there are the greatest
perceived impacts. This is reflected above in discussions of NGO activities related
to aquaculture, which most frequently focus on shrimp and salmon. When WWF
began their Mollusc Aquaculture Dialogue in 2004, it rapidly became clear that
only a few NGOs had thought about the sustainability of these systems or had the
time and funding to do so. In order to develop independent, industry and NGO supported standards for mollusc production, WWF will need to work with the NGO
community to identify any locally specific negative impacts of these production
systems.
NGO ability to address issues is dependent on funding, which can be unpredictable. Funding from foundations is primarily focused on shorter term projects lasting
no more than two or three years. Yet the most meaningful and credible relationships
with industry, retailers, or other partners often take several years to develop.
Industry partners are another potential funding source, and companies often provide some support to NGOs with whom they partner. However, receiving major
financial support from companies can compromise credibility of a project or NGO,
especially in developing countries.
A lack of data can be an obstacle for both NGOs and industry, and interpretations of data can be problematic when these and other stakeholders work together.
Generally speaking, there exists a large body of scientific literature related to the
environment and aquaculture. For some geographic regions, such as China, or for
some issues, such as many social impacts, there are gaps or contradictions in the
information, leading to uncertainty regarding trends and the extent of impacts.
In cases where there is abundant data, different parties interpret data in different
ways. Additionally, the science can be quite controversial. On some topics there is
a perception or reality that the literature is biased either towards industry interests or
NGO beliefs. In the WWF-initiated Salmon Aquaculture Dialogue, stakeholders
commissioned state of information reports completed by teams of scientists that