How Iran is taking steps towards becoming a reliable source of sustainable seafood
Sustainability is becoming more and more important in the fishing industry. Iran is no exception in this, boasting 1,258,460 tons of aquaculture production in 2021. Consumers around the world are increasingly asking for that extra guarantee of sustainability.
Therefore, following the demand of the Iranian aquaculture industry, Precon-Iran with support of the Netherlands Embassy ran a study that took a closer look at the sustainability of the shrimp sector in Iran. Precon-Iran collaborated with the internationally established ASC standard organization and talked with many of the shrimp producers in Iran.
The ASC standard stands for Aquaculture Stewardship Council. It is a globally recognized certification program that ensures seafood is farmed in an environmentally and economically sustainable and socially responsible manner. It covers a range of criteria, including water quality, biodiversity, worker welfare, and community engagement.
Shrimp supply chains
The objective of this study was to evaluate two representative shrimp supply chains in Iran to check for conformities and non-conformities with the ASC standards and to map gaps and needed actions. The study looked into relevant regulations, did a simulation audit and there were discussions with key stakeholders. The preliminary results of the study were presented during an online seminar. A wide variety of senior staff members from aquaculture industries took part in this workshop.
The study recommends an awareness-raising campaign about sustainability standards. An Iranian network of qualified ASC-Standard consultants could be created to provide guidance to the shrimp farms. Furthermore, a standardized Environmental Impact Assessment and Social Impact Assessment reporting procedure is needed. Two showcase farms could be identified to try out concrete steps towards meeting the standard in a realistic timeframe.
Valuable partner
In addition to these short-term measures, the study recommends more comprehensive long-term initiatives. An industry standard for farm procedures and record keeping forms could be developed, and capacity building is key. A ‘traffic light’ system would allow single-unit farms to have an easy-to-understand way to measure their adherence to the standards.
Implementation of the ASC standards have the potential to not only benefit the fisheries and aquaculture in Iran, but to make Iran into a valuable partner for international fish traders in the (near) future. With the right product-market offering, Iran can provide fisheries products in a sustainable manner, making them attractive for buyers from the region, as well as European destinations.
Please contact TEH-LNV@minbuza.nl if you are interested to learn more and to receive a copy of the report.