Interview, Fireside Chat
Andrés Jiménez Zorrilla on the Shrimp Welfare Project (2022)
- Evidence regarding shrimp sentience is expected to continue solidifying following multiple recent publications.
- Pilot programs to test lower stocking densities and improved water quality monitoring are planned for implementation with farmers in India and Vietnam.
- Eye stalk ablation is predicted to likely be phased out as the industry recognizes that non-ablated broodstock can remain productive with reduced physiological strain.
- Reducing stocking densities is expected to create an economic incentive for farmers by increasing the percentage of animals that die or grow slower at higher densities.
- Lower stocking densities may enable the growth of larger shrimp that sell at higher prices per kilo, potentially offsetting reduced total biomass output.
- A risk exists that increased industry productivity could lower prices and stimulate higher consumption, thereby offsetting achieved welfare gains.
- The efficacy of electrical stunning is anticipated to be very promising for both farmed and wild-caught shrimp once research concludes, pending validation.
- The organization plans to partner with certifiers, specifically the Aquatic Life Institute, to incorporate higher welfare modules into existing certification schemes.
- Successful proof of higher welfare production is expected to drive consumer awareness campaigns and trade legislation in the short to medium term.
- The creation of an exclusive "super high welfare shrimp" brand is currently not viable due to the risk of causing harm during the transition period.
- Influencing trade legislation in major importing regions like the US, EU, UK, and Japan to raise welfare standards is considered extremely impactful.
- Consumer advocacy may eventually lead to price premiums similar to the cage-free eggs market, though current evidence of willingness to pay remains limited.
- The uniform tissue structure of shrimp is viewed as a potentially promising factor for cell-based or plant protein replication, with Singapore-based alternative protein companies expected to produce highly similar products.
- Operational plans include relocating to Vietnam shortly to reduce reliance on a remote team and improve management in the region.
- As the team expands, the organization may consider diversifying beyond its current focus on stocking density and water quality.
- Recruitment efforts will target aquaculture specialists with specific shrimp farming experience, a profile noted as difficult to find.
- Formalization plans include registering the UK entity as a charity, establishing the Vietnam entity, and hiring an operations person.
- Transitioning to a for-profit venture or generating revenue through consultancy is possible if interventions improve animal health without sacrificing industry profit.
- Additional interviews recorded by Rob are expected to be released over the next couple of months.
- Current electrical stunning technology requires scooping conscious animals from water, falling short of the goal of in-pool stunning, with results on unconsciousness versus injury pending further research.
- High salinity levels may cause electrical current to bypass shrimp, making in-water electrification tricky without significant salinity reduction.
- The natural instinct to maximize profitability is identified as a driver for high stocking densities that compromise immune systems and increase disease susceptibility.
- Regulation is required to achieve herd immunity against disease, as individual farmer decisions face coordination and free-rider problems.
- Electrical stunning technology could be installed on fishing vessels to stun trillions of wild-caught animals immediately upon capture.
- The Aquatic Life Institute is expected to continue working effectively with certifiers while the Shrimp Welfare Project provides knowledge.
- Lab results regarding welfare interventions may not translate easily to earthen ponds in locations like Andhra Pradesh.
- The organization is in the due diligence phase of an annual charity evaluation grant application.
- Most consumers remain unaware of food production methods, creating an opportunity for consumer awareness campaigns.
- The animal movement is expected to create a larger, risk-receptive audience to smooth the market path for new meat alternatives.