Global Sustainability Standards Created for Abalone Aquaculture Industry

In 2008, WWF kicked off the process of developing global standards for the abalone aquaculture industry, which produces 70 percent of the abalone consumed worldwide. The industry helps fill the high demand for a type of mollusc that is known for its tasty flesh and decorative shells, reports www.megafishnet.com with reference to WWF.

The process, which ended in October 2010, involved discussions with scientists, farmers, conservationists and others in the world's key abalone producing regions. Also, the draft standards were posted twice for public comment. More than 100 people participated in the process,

The final standards developed by the Abalone Aquaculture Dialogue will help minimize the potential negative impacts abalone farming can have on the environment and society. The impacts associated with this type of farming include the transfer of diseases to other aquatic species, the destruction of habitat to create farms, water pollution and unfair wages for farm workers.

Abalone farmers who adopt the standards will earn a label from a new entity, the Aquaculture Stewardship Council, certifying that their seafood was raised in an environmentally-friendly and socially-responsible way.