Marine shrimp culture industry of Thailand: operating guidelines for shrimp farms.

Abstract

The marine shrimp industry in Thailand had developed a code of conduct for its operations. This code of conduct is a set of principles and processes that provides a framework to meet the industry’s goal for environmental, social, and economic responsibility. The foundation of the code of conduct is the following mission statement. The marine shrimp farming industry in Thailand is committed to producing high quality, hygienic products in a sustainable manner that provides for environmental, social, and economic benefits for the present and future generations.

Policy statements have been formulated to outline actions that the industry will undertake to meet its commitments under the mission statement. These policy statements cover a broad range of topics, including: environmental protection, public consultation, regulatory compliance, location, quality and safety, continual improvement, efficiency, research and development, social responsibility, monitoring and auditing, education and training, international trade.

The code of conduct is voluntary, but it has been signed by a wide variety of industry stakeholders. The code commits the signatories to specific actions, including the development of a series of operating guidelines and procedural manuals. These actions will aid the industry in carrying out its operations in a manner consistent with the objectives of the code of conduct.