Global Shrimp Forum highlights challenges and opportunities – ASC set to play pivotal role in industry’s next decade
September 15, 2025
The Aquaculture Stewardship Council (ASC) joined industry leaders at the Global Shrimp Forum 2025, (GSF) where producers, retailers, scientists and NGOs gathered to debate the future of one of the world’s most dynamic seafood sectors.
From tariffs to technology, the conversations revealed both the challenges shrimp farmers face and the opportunities ahead – with ASC positioned as a trusted partner to drive solutions. In the opening session, Bastiaan van Tilburg, CEO of Nutreco stated that “sustainability fuels profitability” emphasising that the two are inextricably linked and underlining the value of ASC in driving sustainability.
ASC Director of Innovation, Alison Hutchins, proved this theory by sharing insights on the TraceASC digital traceability project, presenting how this initiative is helping seafood producers and farmers cut paperwork, prove sustainability with verified data, and access new markets. Retailers can strengthen customer trust, simplify compliance, and back every sustainability claim with digital proof. At the heart of this work is a simple principle: digitisation must be inclusive. We cannot leave anyone behind — especially small farmers — who play such a vital role. TraceASC is about making traceability accessible, practical, and beneficial for all.
In an engaging and insightful closing session to the conference, 18-year-old Sepp van Dijk, also known as the Twisted Chef made it clear that younger audiences really care about sustainable seafood – but want it delivered in relatable, easy-to-cook formats. They also want to be engaged with authentically in language and across channels that are relevant for them. Campaigns such as Hope in the Water demonstrated the power of positive storytelling, generating a 27% retail sales boost in the US.
ASC Sponsored Sessions Deliver Key Insights – and Great Quotes!
ASC is a proud co-founding partner of GSF and continues to contribute by helping to organise the Forum and sponsoring side events. Any financial surplus from the Forum is used to support activities that are key for the future of the shrimp industry, such as the recently-published guide to carbon footprint.
ASC kicked off the Forum with its sponsored session on Inclusive Supply Chains and Continuous Improvement. This vital session enabled the voices of everyone in the sector to be heard and focused on dismantling the barriers that small and mid-scale shrimp producers face. The discussion showcased real-world case studies from Bangladesh, Vietnam and Indonesia with producers calling for easy access to technology and finance, education about the sector for the finance industry, transparent data, marketing, and collaboration to advance continuous improvement in smallholder farming practices.
With 40% of conference delegates from the feed sector, ASC partnered with MSC and MarinTrust to show what it takes for feed mills to source the right ingredients that meet the requirements in the ASC Feed Standard. Describing her experience of trying to get a Fisheries Improvement Project (FIP) off the ground, Dr Nim Piewthongngam from the Karnataka State FIP in India said, “the standard isn’t complex, people are” – highlighting that sustainability is often blocked by politics, communication, and competition rather than technical barriers. Sarabpreet Singh from Devi Fisheries shared the experience of an Indian feed mill and finished with the quote “we don’t inherit the Earth from our ancestors, we borrow it from our children”, reminding us of the importance of sustainability for future generations.
In a session dedicated to introducing the ASC Farm Standard, delegates heard from ASC Director of Standards, Michiel Fransen and CEO Chris Ninnes. Attendees were guided through the principles behind the creation of the Standard and the relevant requirements for shrimp producers. The two-year implementation roadmap and support on offer were also explained before audience questions enabled conversation about market forces, antibiotic use and animal welfare. Prevention of diseases and avoidance of antibiotics use were discussed as the way forward for shrimp health. Education of producers is a key part of this along with consistent messaging.
ASC’s role for the future
The Global Shrimp Forum 2025 confirmed that shrimp aquaculture stands at a crossroads. With challenges from tariffs to carbon, and opportunities in innovation and consumer engagement, ASC is uniquely placed to guide the sector through its next stage of transformation. By championing transparency, collaboration and inclusivity, ASC will help ensure shrimp farming not only grows, but does so responsibly – delivering benefits for producers, retailers, consumers, animals and the planet alike.
The Forum confirmed that ASC’s role goes well beyond compliance. The next decade will be about:
- Supporting producers and supply chain partners with performance measurement, transparency, and tools to access finance.
- Convening stakeholders – from smallholders to global feed players – for pre-competitive collaboration.
- Driving consistency on critical issues such as antibiotics, welfare, and carbon.
- Engaging consumers and younger generations with authentic, positive stories about aquaculture.
- Positioning ASC as a partner for growth, especially in Europe, where shrimp demand is rising faster than expected.
“ASC’s mission has always been about more than certification,” said GSF Foundation Chair and CEO of ASC, Chris Ninnes. “The Global Shrimp Forum showed that the next decade is about collaboration, transparency and supporting farmers and supply chain partners to achieve more sustainable in practices. Together, we can build trust, unlock investment and ensure shrimp farming plays its part in feeding the world responsibly.”
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