The goal of this initiative (ended June 2002) was to effect change in agricultural health practices to protect human, animal, and plant health and safety in accordance with international standards. Maintaining environmental quality provides a foundation for improvement in these areas. The chosen strategy was the transfer and adoption of cutting-edge technology based on best management practices developed specifically for the regional shrimp farming industry.
This initiative began with an assessment of social and environmental issues concerning shrimp aquaculture in Latin America and opportunities to improve management. Follow-up efforts included identifying good management practices (GMPs) defined as the best ways known to date of reducing environmental impacts in shrimp farming, recognizing that these are still evolving. The practices were developed specifically for shrimp culture in Honduras, although most were applicable throughout Latin America. Development of these GMPs represents an effort to move from generic Codes of Practices prepared at the international level toward detailed GMPs applicable to specific regional industries.
The initiative also worked on training and curriculum development for Small/Medium Shrimp producers with emphasis on good management practices to guide post-Hurricane Mitch recovery. The information and training was also made available to the industry in Sinaloa, Mexico.