Origin and Efficiency Are Critical

The study models environmental footprints for Atlantic salmon feed and finds that differences in greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, water use, and other environmental pressures are far more pronounced within one feed type (e.g. variation among plant-based ingredient sources) than between a marine-rich vs. plant-rich feed. 

In other words, ‘low marine’ feed isn’t automatically better for the environment. If its plant ingredients come from poorly managed or inefficient systems, it is likely to generate a heavier footprint. 

For example, transitioning to more plant ingredients tends to raise nutrient footprints and freshwater usage, effectively shifting pressure from aquatic to terrestrial ecosystems. 

Traceability and Due Diligence Become Non-Negotiable

The authors of this study argue that simply labelling feed products as ‘low in marine input’ is inadequate to give an accurate picture of their sustainability.  

What matters more is granular traceability. Tracking the efficiency, sustainability, and footprint of each supplier and source, not just the broad ingredient category. It highlights the need for a holistic approach to feed. 

In effect, poorly sourced ingredients can negate or even reverse the presumed environmental gains from swapping them out for other ingredients. 

Although it was not covered in this research, traceability and due diligence are also integral to assessing and reducing risk of social impacts across the feed ingredient supply chain. 

The ASC Feed Standard Takes a Holistic Approach

Transparency and traceability play a crucial role in promoting more environmental and social responsibility within the feed supply chain. The ASC Feed Standard provides the framework needed to implement a truly holistic feed sourcing model. 

By clearly documenting the origin of each ingredient and sourcing them responsibly, feed companies can drive improved practices in their supply chains and promote a shift towards greater accountability for the entire industry. 

The Supplier Code of Conduct within the ASC Feed Standard is an important starting place for managing the potential socio-environmental risks of the ingredients that go into aquafeed.   

It’s a tool to prompt greater communication around sustainability expectations between the feed manufacturer and its suppliers, ensuring traceability and mitigation measures have been initiated for socio-environmental risks.

Addressing the more pressing risks associated with aquafeed ingredient production, ASC Feed Standard due diligence applies to all ingredients accounting for more than 1% of the total annual purchased volume for aquafeeds.  

This means that ASC-certified feed mills source primary raw materials that have been thoroughly assessed for legal, environmental and social risks. 

The Future of Feed is…Traceable

It’s time to stop viewing ingredient percentages in isolation. It’s vital to integrate data on supplier practices, regional impact, and full life‐cycle footprints. 

More sustainable sourcing not only contributes to environmental conservation but also addresses the long-term viability of the aquaculture industry. 

Through structured due diligence, flexible compliance pathways, and ongoing industry collaboration, ASC-certified feed mills can navigate sourcing challenges while upholding responsible aquaculture practices. 

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A Phased, Contextual Strategy

Seafood farming operations vary widely. From small shrimp ponds in southeast Asia to large salmon operations in Europe and everything in between, each have their unique economic, cultural and ecological realities.

This diversity means that the path towards living wage also differs by region and species. Asking every ASC certified farm to immediately pay a full living wage would be neither fair nor feasible.

Instead, the ASC Farm Standard emphasises wage measurement, transparency and goal setting to gradually move the industry towards paying a living wage. This begins with helping farms to compare their current wages with locally relevant living wage benchmarks using tools like the IDH Salary Matrix.

This step gives producers a clear baseline and informs practical targets without penalising those just starting their journey. It also gives ASC insight into living wage gaps in various contexts, which informs projects and priorities.

Based on the wage assessment, each farm drafts a multi-year wage improvement plan tailored to its circumstances. These roadmaps respect each farm’s financial realities, seasonality, and species-specific economics, setting realistic milestones and timelines.

Rather than treating living wage as a rigid requirement, we view it as a shared target—one that producers, buyers, and other stakeholders work towards together, making incremental progress that balances social ambition with operational viability.

Living Wage Requirements in the ASC Farm Standard

• Identify: The farm shall annually calculate employee remuneration and assess this against the living wage benchmarks listed on the ASC website to identify if there is a gap between employee remuneration and the living wage benchmark.
• Report: The farm shall annually report on the gap between employee remuneration and the living wage benchmark, according to ASC data submission procedures.
• Plan: The farm shall, where employee remuneration is below the living wage benchmark, develop and implement a wage improvement plan towards payment of a living wage. 

Transparency, Data, and Closing the SDG Gap

Overall, the industry still lacks updated and quality data to track progress in meeting SDG targets. How important is transparency and timely public disclosure in aquaculture for meeting SDG targets—and how can certification schemes like ASC help bridge this critical data gap for investors and regulators alike?

“I’ve alluded earlier to some of those points in terms of investor trust and confidence when it comes to ESG data. First and foremost, however, ASC’s transparency convictions are driven by the central function of accountability in building credibility, demonstrating impact and helping to provide the industry with the ‘social licence to operate’ it needs to upscale. 

“This is where credible and transparent certification schemes can play an important role: not only by setting the standard and sustainability bar high enough to be meaningful, but also by assuring and verifiably de-risking those value chains and creating a pathway for stakeholder acceptance and trust. Genuine transparency – as sustainable development – may not always constitute the easiest pathway. It requires proactive public disclosures, including disclosing non-conformance and corrective actions taken to improve and pass the bar.  

“True transparency goes beyond processes and practices—it means delivering verifiable performance and measurable impact. That’s what makes it demanding. Yet it’s essential for building confidence and trust in what is certified, and for credibly answering the inevitable stakeholder question: ‘Prove it.’” 

Takeaways from the UN Ocean Conference and Monaco Blue Economy and Finance Forum

What were the main takeaways from the United Nations Ocean Conference and the Monaco Blue Economy and Finance Forum (BEFF)?

“In the months leading up to the UN Ocean Conference (UNOC) in Nice this June, there was a real sense of momentum and practical action. One outcome was the launch of the Ocean Investment Protocol (OIP) by the UN Global Compact and UNEP Finance Initiative at the BEFF in Monaco, which ASC was honoured to be invited to attend. 

“To transform food systems and protect biodiversity, we need transparency, stakeholder engagement, and reliable, publicly available performance data. This principle is central to ASC’s approach. 

“BEFF was the first time that so many key players in Blue Finance – from private and institutional investors to governments, philanthropists, international agencies, industries, innovators, and policymakers – came together in one place. It was instrumental in financial commitments totalling €8.7 billion by 2030 towards the Blue Economy and it set the tone for the UNOC that followed. 

“The optimism around Blue Finance was also reflected in a joint call by UN agencies and global partners to co-design a ‘One Ocean Finance’ process. This aims to unlock billions in investment and deliver ‘triple-win outcomes’ for people, nature, and climate. 

Another major theme was encouraging countries to ratify the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea. ASC was also proud to be chosen to speak at the UN Ocean Action Panel 9 on ‘Promoting the role of sustainable food from the ocean for poverty eradication and food security’.” 

Conclusion

From investor assurance to climate action, transparency plays a critical role in driving sustainable aquaculture. ASC’s commitment to accountability and public disclosure is not just about meeting compliance requirements—it’s about building the trust, credibility, and data-driven verifiable impacts the industry needs to secure its future. 

With blue finance gathering momentum and global frameworks recognising ASC’s impact, the opportunity for aquaculture to be a leader in the SDG era has never been clearer. As Bertrand reminds us, the path forward is about meaningful, verifiable and robust sustainability data — and action, finally, is underway. 

ASC Certification Journey and Motivation

– How did you first come across ASC certification, and what motivated you to pursue it?

I first came across ASC certification in 2016 through an overseas partner. At the time, there was hardly any information available in Korea, so I reached out directly to WWF-Korea after learning that ASC was initiated by WWF. They referred me to Control Union, and I soon contacted them to ask whether we could pursue ASC certification.

Back in 2016, the Korean abalone industry was going through a tough time due to oversupply and a lack of export markets with weak global demand. Sometimes, domestic prices at the production site were higher than at the consumer end. It was a time when low prices were prioritised over quality or branding. That prompted me to reflect on how we could restore pride and dignity to abalone farmers. As I studied the principles and market-driven values of ASC certification, I saw a glimpse of hope—perhaps even a path forward for our struggling industry.

In Korea, there is a long-standing cultural tradition of safely consuming raw seaweed and seafood. Combined with the government’s rigorous oversight of aquaculture practices-which has kept illegal farming virtually nonexistent-this has led to deep public trust in the safety and quality of all seafood. People already have high confidence in the safety of local seafood, so certification hasn’t been viewed as necessary. Most consumers saw little reason to pay more for ASC certified products. This was, and still is, a major hurdle to expanding ASC’s presence in Korea.

In Korea, only residents of a village who are registered members of the local fishery cooperative can own abalone farms. So, another major challenge for company was to persuade owners of these farms, who are independent, to pursue ASC certification and to take on the responsibilities and obligations that come with it. But as producers faced increasing pressure from oversupply and friction with distributors grew, the need for a solution became clear. We also believed in the potential of tapping into new markets, so we decided to take on this challenge.

From Practice to Impact: Building a Sustainable Aquaculture Model

– What practices or behaviours have changed since adopting the ASC standard?

Waste is an inevitable byproduct of fish farming. When most people don’t bother bringing that waste back with them, being the only one who does requires takes both courage and a strong philosophy. Today, our certified farmers not only take full responsibility for the waste they generate, properly collecting and disposing of it, but also carry out regular clean-up efforts to remove marine debris that drifts into their farming areas.

Our region consists of 265 islands, and our certified farms are scattered across them. Each farm has its own method and quality of abalone farming. While preparing for certification, we came together for the first time to form a cooperative, built a brand, developed a quality grading system for abalone, and launched workshops to produce premium products, and today, we continue to meet regularly and share knowledge.

Training was not limited to farm owners. Their families and even foreign workers took part, and now we see certified farmers who take great pride in not just earning certification but living by its principles every day.

In addition, not only the heads of the farms but also their family members and foreign workers took part in the training sessions. As a result, the certified farmers have become proud of not only holding certification but also living out its values every day.

– When did you feel that pursuing ASC certification was the right decision?

Recently, abalone prices in Korea dropped significantly, threatening the livelihoods of farming households. All producers declared a shipment halt, which posed a serious crisis. Yet even during this time, ASC certified farmers stayed grounded in open dialogue, working together to find solutions as usual. Moreover, we are holding proactive discussions to prevent similar crises in the future. While conflict between producers and distributors is common, ASC certified farms and distributors have built a relationship based on mutual understanding and shared goals of producing high-quality abalone.

Since certification, we’ve also seen new market opportunities. we are now able to supply to global hotel chains and have seen enthusiastic uptake for certified abalone by domestic retailers, leading to stable deliveries. This has led to stable distribution channels and a rise in pride among certified farms, now more and more farms are now showing interest in joining the movement. Given that over 70% of abalone in Korea is consumed domestically, exports are vital. In 2024, we made our first entry into the European market (specifically the UK), delivering exclusively ASC certified products.

This has led to stable distribution channels and a rise in pride among certified farms, now more and more farms are now showing interest in joining the movement. Given that over 70% of abalone in Korea is consumed domestically, exports are vital. In 2024, we made our first entry into the European market (specifically the UK), delivering exclusively ASC certified products.

– Based on your experience, what advice would you offer to other seafood businesses considering certification?

More seafood companies are now obtaining ASC Chain of Custody (CoC) certification. While we are truly thankful for those effort, I hope they will participate even more actively going forward.

Our seafood industry is facing growing sustainability challenges. Over the past three years, typhoons and rising sea temperatures have made it even harder for producers. It’s vital to understand the reality of the fishermen who continue to produce the fresh and delicious seafood we rely on, and to able to communicate with them in their own language. Companies considering ASC certification need to understand the hard, honest work of life at sea. By valuing their labour fairly, improving the marine environment together, and sharing in social responsibility, these companies can inspire farmers to join the effort — and in doing so, help expand demand for certified seafood among global buyers. If they value the effort of the producers fairly, take shared responsibility for the marine environment and society, I am sure the producers will join the effort. And in doing so, more global buyers will surely seek out ASC certified seafood.

Looking ahead: Women, Innovation, and Sustainability

– As one of the rare examples of a woman successfully leading a sustainable business in the seafood industry, could you share your experiences and insights as a woman leading a sustainable business in this industry?

Perhaps I would not call it a ‘success story’, but I grew up in extreme poverty and have lived through many different phases of society. Rather than simply identifying as a woman, I’d describe myself as a woman who grew up through economic hardship.

Maybe because of those early experiences, I’ve always found myself on the side of the socially disadvantaged. And those who work in the seafood industry, the local residents too, are often among society’s overlooked or underrepresented groups. I kept asking myself how we can produce, process, and deliver abalone, the valuable seafood that stands as our competitive strength, even within an underdeveloped region and a marginalised industry often overlooked by national policy.

Those questions naturally aligned with ASC’s focus on social responsibility. That’s how Korea’s ASC certified abalone movement began. I believe it was my eye for detail and my inclusive approach, qualities often associated with women, that helped build something unique in this industry.

Although it’s not always easy to find human resources, our employees tend to stay l here longer and more happily than at other workplaces.

– What message would you like to share with the younger generation of women today?

In Korea, there is an organisation called the Korean Women Venture Association. Thirteen years ago, I established the Gwangju-Jeonnam chapter of the Korea Women Venture Association and later served as its fourth president. At first glance, abalone and venture businesses might not seem much connected, but I wanted to pass on what I had learned, so future entrepreneurs wouldn’t have to face the same challenges I had. I also had the opportunity to learn from pioneering women leading larger businesses across Korea and around the world, and studied the changes of the Fourth Industrial Revolution.

Through this organisation’s programmes, we were selected by the Korea Agro-Fisheries & Food Trade Corporation as a model ESG-practicing enterprise. We discussed how to combine the primary industries with the Fourth Industrial Revolution with major domestic IT companies, as a result, we launched Korea’s first smart aquaculture initiative for abalone seed production five years ago, and we’re just now beginning to see the fruits of those efforts.

Women bring great strengths to combining traditional and future industries, and to putting ESG principles into practice. The multitasking and empathy developed through balancing home and work life are powerful assets. I encourage young women to explore, gain experience, explore different fields, and find something they truly enjoy, and then take on the challenge of entrepreneurship. Thousands of senior members in the Women Venture Association will be there to support and advise them along the way.

– Finally, what are your hopes and dreams for the future?

I want to make ASC certified seafood more affordable and accessible by digitalising our processing systems, so we can deliver safe, high-quality food to people across the world. Six years ago, Chungsanbada began building a blockchain-based traceability system for aquaculture. This year, we’re preparing to apply for a smart factory programme supported by Samsung Electronics.

And I’ll continue to explore and develop innovative farming models that can grow alongside digital transformation.

Lastly, I want to express my sincere gratitude to the global companies, including Hilton, Hyatt, Marriott, InterContinental, Hotel Shilla, Aoen, Shinsegae, Pulmuone and ORGA, as well as organisations including WWF, ASC, MSC, and the other organisaions for their efforts in working toward a more sustainable planet.

Why we need to address FPIC

Implementing FPIC is far from simple and involves several key challenges. Legal recognition of Indigenous rights varies widely between countries, with some fully endorsing FPIC in national law and others offering little or no protection for Indigenous communities. This inconsistency creates confusion for companies and certification bodies, especially where permits to farm have been issued without prior consultation. For a credible and effective FPIC process to take place, companies must understand the true meaning of a consent process, must give the process time, build trust and have cultural openness, which many are not fully prepared for. Indigenous communities, meanwhile, may lack the resources, information, or support needed to engage meaningfully in FPIC processes.

Auditing FPIC adds another layer of complexity. Auditors must assess sensitive social dynamics and may lack the necessary understanding of what a proper FPIC process entails and what might be sufficient evidence for it. Creating a safe space for communities to speak freely as part of audits remains a critical and often under-resourced challenge in audits.

A new approach: Community data as evidence

To address these challenges, ASC is about to start a new project with a grant from the ISEAL Innovations Fund, funded by the Swiss State Secretariat for Economic Affairs SECO and UK International Development. This project puts community-generated data at the heart of FPIC verification.

Working with Indigenous partners, a salmon farm, an auditor, and our long-term partners Consensus Building Institute and the Indigenous company Ngülamtun, the project will explore how community-identified impacts can be monitored and used in audit planning and implementation, in ways that are culturally relevant and auditor-friendly and that allow a focus on key issues.

This approach could give Indigenous communities more control over how the impacts they observe are documented and shared and aims to bridge the gap between certification requirements and on-the-ground realities. It also helps ensure that communities are not just subjects of audits, but active participants in shaping them.

Where do we go from here?

FPIC is not a checkbox; it is a right, a process, and a relationship. As aquaculture develops and grows, the industry must find better ways to honour this right, not only to meet certification standards but to build a truly responsible sector that respects and promotes Indigenous sovereignty.

As we mark the International Day of the World’s Indigenous Peoples, one question lingers:

What would aquaculture look like if Indigenous voices led the conversation from the very beginning?

We’d love to hear your thoughts.

Find more information about the ASC FPIC project here.

Ocean Investment Is Still Stuck in Shallow Waters

At the recent United Nations Ocean Conference in Nice, France, global leaders pledged around $10 billion of new capital toward ocean protection. Sounds impressive? Unfortunately, it’s just a drop in the ocean—the United Nations estimates we need $175 billion every year to protect marine ecosystems and support sustainable development. So why isn’t more money flowing to oceans? 

“Investors want to fund sustainable ocean projects,” says Ray. “But they need clear rules and trusted standards to de-risk those decisions.” 

Without strong regulation and credible data, private finance hesitates. As Standard Chartered’s Head of Nature Oliver Withers puts it, the problem is that “the high seas don’t belong to any one country”—making it hard to govern or protect them effectively. 

Investors Want Sustainable Seafood Too

Swimming Together: Uniting Finance and Responsible Seafood Farming

You might look for labels when buying fish. Well, so do banks and investment firms—just on a much bigger scale.

“Frameworks like ASC help investors know a seafood business is serious about sustainability,” Ray says.

The ASC label tells investors and seafood lovers that a farm is doing right by the environment and the people involved. For institutional investors, sustainability certification is a key part of risk assessment. According to Ray, frameworks like ASC are being recognised in influential global policy initiatives such as the Taskforce on Nature-related Financial Disclosures (TNFD). These frameworks not only signpost verifiable sustainability metrics but also help investors assess social and environmental risks within global aquaculture portfolios by focusing on necessary disclosure.

“The breadth of the ASC standard is helpful for investors who are looking to cover social as well as environmental indicators,” says Ray. “ASC being a global standard has also proven useful to investors with large global portfolios.”

The Financial Risk of Ignoring Sustainability

With environmental regulation tightening across markets, seafood farming operations that fail to embed sustainability are exposing themselves to serious financial risks. Not only do they risk falling foul of emerging regulations, but they may also find themselves excluded from capital flows increasingly tied to verified environmental and social impact.

Sustainability is a key driver of ‘licence to operate’ for companies in seafood farming. Business models are more likely to be resilient to shocks if sustainability is built in from the outset.

Ray explains, “The regulatory picture is changing rapidly, and financiers will be looking increasingly for verified impact aligned to the latest science. For longer term investors, aligning to this regulatory framework will be key. From a market standpoint, aligning to the ASC standard increases resilience for investors and reduces sustainability risks.

“It also helps to evidence the claims that the finance sector is making around impact. Additionally, ASC holds unique data points to evidence positive impact – both on social as well as environmental areas.”

Not Certified Yet? There’s Still a Way In

Some farms aren’t ASC certified yet, but they’re trying to improve. That’s where the Improver Programme by ASC comes in.

“Impact investors recognise that some farms are not yet ready for certification; however, if they can engage with the Improver Programme and credibly demonstrate their path toward sustainability in aquaculture,” Ray says.

“As a result, then they may be able to fit some investor’s impact criteria.”

What’s Next? Innovation on the Horizon

As the financial sector accelerates its shift toward nature-positive and climate-aligned investing, tools like the ASC certification are emerging as vital links between sustainability and finance. Whether through full certification or participation in improvement programmes, aquaculture businesses have a clear opportunity to align with the future of responsible investment.

“There’s still a long way to go, but on the bright side, during UNOC and BEFF we saw innovation from some leading financiers – including some new blended financial models utilised in developing countries,” Ray concludes.

Carefree enjoyment starts with a conscious choice

Did you know that more than half of all the fish we eat worldwide is farmed? Seafood farming plays a key role in how we shape our food supply sustainably and responsibly. From water quality to nutrition, working conditions to animal welfare, ASC certified farms receive an annual independent audit, ensuring the seafood you eat comes from a responsible source, so you can enjoy what’s on your plate with peace of mind. 

Healthy and tasty

Besides being a sustainable option, seafood is also a healthy choice. Oily fish such as salmon is packed with omega-3 fatty acids, which are good for your heart, brain and energy level. Other species – such as prawns or pangasius – are also rich in protein, vitamin D and important minerals. 

Seafood is also light and easily digestible, ideal for a summer meal where you don’t feel too full afterwards. And with so many seafood options, you can choose something for your guests that is nutritious, varied and delicious. Get those shrimp skewers on the barbecue, because with a few smart choices you can turn your barbecue into a feast that is as delicious as it is responsible. 

Transparency you taste

How do you make conscious choices while shopping? When you choose ASC labelled seafood, you know exactly where your seafood comes from and that you are contributing to positive change. You’re also choosing to support farms that work hard to protect our oceans, support communities, and farm with care. This will make your barbecue not only a culinary highlight, but also a conscious one. 

Start the BBQ and choose responsibly. How about giving one of the recipes below a shot? 

Do you want more recipes and tips? Follow us on Instagram and Facebook for delicious ASC labelled inspiration. 

In 2019, the farm took a bold step forward, partnering with WWF Malaysia to implement an Aquaculture Improvement Project (AIP), with support from Marina Bay Sands and WWF Singapore. This project was designed to guide farms towards ASC certification.

Under the programme, Sankina Aquaculture conducted restoration and preservation activities for the mangrove areas within and adjacent to their farm site, implementing strict protocol where wastewater is pre-treated to manage pollution and setting up systems to improve worker welfare. 

“When we first acquired the land, it was quite empty, and the mangroves were cleared. When we took over, we started letting the land heal itself. We had a very natural and holistic approach to shrimp farming and since the day we started, we haven’t used any antibiotics or any chemical treatment. 

“I was inspired by a fully recirculated system in an island in Brasil. We employed a mangrove filtration system in the farm and since 2014, we have regrowth of 100 metre thickness of mangrove in our farm. That’s something I am very proud of.” 

As a result of the mangrove preservation efforts, sightings of migratory birds surrounding the farm have increased. The farm also received support from the Sabah Fisheries Department leading the way for Sankina Aquaculture to be awarded ASC certification, making it the first shrimp farm in Malaysia to receive the globally recognised eco-label certification in 2023. 

“We take pride in our ASC certification because it’s a testament of our longstanding commitment to sustainability. We are not a big farm, but we are slowly expanding our production. With ASC certification, we can reach more markets in Asia for our products. Like any farm producing premium shrimp, we focus not on the quantity, but on producing the right product,” Jenny says. 

Inspiring the younger generation

As part of its commitment to responsible farming, Sankina Aquaculture has strong local community engagement. Today, the farm has created over 350 local jobs in the community across all genders and ages. 

However, encouraging the younger generation to be involved in shrimp farming remains a challenge. To solve this, the farm actively uses artificial intelligence and technology to encourage the younger generation to venture into responsible shrimp farming.  

“Farming is a lifestyle to us. You have to embrace the fact that nature has its own way. Patience is something I think that the younger generations lack – shrimp farming of course takes time and a lot of effort.   

“To make it more interesting for them, we started to use AIOT or genetic sequencing and we now use AI to make the farming operations smarter, and the employees can now monitor and control certain tasks at home.”  

Twenty-five-year-old Zulkifli bin Rahman recently started working at Sakina Aqua. Zulkifli said, “I had the chance to prove myself by researching technologies that enhance farming efficiency and workflow. By exploring innovations that improve product quality, reduce labour needs, and increase profitability, I see firsthand how technology shapes the future of aquaculture. With our company’s forward-thinking approach to AI, I am confident that the opportunities for advancing farm technology are limitless.  

“AI and automation are rapidly transforming aquaculture. From real-time water quality monitoring and AI-driven disease detection to automated feeding systems and predictive analytics, these innovations are revolutionising how we farm. AI-powered data analysis allows for precise decision-making, reducing waste and optimising productivity. The integration of smart sensors, machine learning and robotics will further enhance efficiency, sustainability, and yield.” 

Incorporating technology helped Jenny and her team to inspire the younger generation to work in shrimp farming, while also reducing labour intensive jobs. 

“As business owners in management, we should always strive to create opportunities and explore different directions to inspire our workers—encouraging them to grow, expand, and align with our vision. Ultimately, our goal is to build a sustainable business,” Jenny explains. 

“Sustainability isn’t just about the present. We must think beyond our own generation and consider the next, and the generations to come. That’s why we are exploring ways to engage the community—embracing diversity across genders and age groups—and incorporating them into shrimp farming.” 

Genetics sequencing: understanding nature through science

Traditional shrimp farming methods involve stocking the water with shrimp and reacting to issues as they arise. However, Sankina Aquaculture takes a different approach—one that focuses on prevention rather than reaction. By studying environmental challenges and potential disease threats, Jenny says that they can anticipate problems and apply the right probiotics to maintain a balanced ecosystem. 

“Genetic sequencing isn’t about altering the genetics of the shrimp—it’s about understanding the entire system,” Jenny explains. 

“Our goal is not to modify DNA or do anything unnatural, but to combat diseases proactively. We believe in creating the right environment from the start—fostering a healthy ecosystem that supports the shrimp’s growth and resilience. With my background in working extensively with cells, viruses, and bacteria, I have a deep understanding of microbiology. When I first returned, we were running our own probiotics programme because we take a holistic approach to modern shrimp farming. 

“Our company stands out by using a scientific, bottom-up approach—analysing everything from a genetic perspective. We examine every factor, from water and soil quality to the shrimp itself, ensuring that each level of the ecosystem is accounted for. By identifying issues at their source, we troubleshoot effectively using the right probiotics, creating a more sustainable and resilient farming process.” 

Legacy building in shrimp farming

From restoring mangroves to embracing cutting-edge technology, Jenny and her team have proven that responsible shrimp farming can thrive in harmony with nature. Their journey is a testament to the power of innovation, perseverance, and a deep respect for the environment. 

Sankina’s true success lies in the legacy it is building—one that inspires future generations to see farming not just as an industry, but as a means of safeguarding our planet. By blending tradition with technology and conservation with commerce, they are shaping a future where aquaculture is both sustainable and deeply connected to the communities it serves. 

“In every business, you work, create value, and try to sustain it. To find joy in business and enjoy it long-term, I believe it should have a meaningful purpose. My personal hope and motivation are to help and support others. That, to me, makes work and business more meaningful and fulfilling.” 

Nur Fatiha Binti Musmuliadi, an employee at Sankina Aqua said, “Seeing the direct impact of our work on shrimp quality and sustainability is deeply fulfilling. It benefits not just the company but the aquaculture industry as a whole.  

“I’m truly grateful to be part of the team at Sankina Aquaculture Farm. It’s the perfect place to start a career in aquaculture.”