Leadership Transition at Shrimp Welfare Project

Greetings from Shrimp Welfare Project!

In this edition of our newsletter, we are thrilled to share news of a leadership transition at Shrimp Welfare Project. Our esteemed co-founder and CEO, Andrés Jiménez Zorrilla, will transition to a strategic role on our Board, continuing to guide our vision. Dr. Krzysztof Wojtas, our newly appointed Chief Programmes Officer, will step into Andrés’ role, bringing his extensive experience and dedication to advancing our mission. Andrés’ ongoing involvement ensures Shrimp Welfare Project remains aligned with its core values and long-term goals.

We are also excited to highlight our latest research revealing the surprising scale and welfare implications of the shrimp paste industry. From concerns about capture methods to processing practices, our report sheds light on the challenges and opportunities for promoting better methods and humane slaughter to reduce suffering.

Finally, we are excited to announce our new partnership with aquaculture technology specialists Ace Aquatec. This collaboration aims to revolutionise shrimp slaughter processes globally, significantly improving welfare standards.

Have a great week!

Léa | Communications Lead

We are thrilled to announce an important transition within the Shrimp Welfare Project leadership team.

Our esteemed co-founder and CEO, Andrés Jiménez Zorrilla, will be moving to a new role as a member of our Board. This move represents a strategic step forward, allowing Andrés to continue guiding SWP's vision and mission at an even higher level.

We are equally excited to introduce Dr. Krzysztof Wojtas as our newly appointed Chief Programmes Officer who will be stepping into Andrés' role. Krzysztof, previously our Head of Programmes, brings a wealth of experience and a deep commitment to our cause. We are confident that Krzysztof will continue the exceptional work of advancing our mission and expanding our impact.

Andrés will remain deeply involved with Shrimp Welfare Project, focusing on strategic initiatives and governance as a key Board member. His continued presence ensures that Shrimp Welfare Project remains aligned with its core values and long-term goals.

Thank you all for your continued support and trust in Shrimp Welfare Project. Together, we will continue to advance our mission and make a significant impact on shrimp welfare globally.

New research by Shrimp Welfare Project reveals the surprisingly large scale of the shrimp paste industry, often made from tiny Acetes shrimps, and its potential welfare implications. The report highlights concerns at various stages, from capture (where injury and suffocation are common) to processing (which may involve salting and sun-drying live shrimps). While the industry supports coastal communities, it faces challenges like fluctuating shrimp populations and food safety concerns.

The good news? There are opportunities for improvement. Promoting gentler fishing methods and humane slaughter could reduce suffering. Additionally, developing tasty and affordable shrimp paste alternatives offers a promising way to lessen the demand for wild-caught Acetes. Further research is needed to guide effective solutions, but this initial report sheds much-needed light on a previously overlooked industry.

We are thrilled to announce our partnership with aquaculture technology specialist Ace Aquatec to advocate for more humane slaughter methods in the global shrimp industry. This collaboration underscores the industry's growing recognition of the need for ethical treatment of shrimps.

Ace Aquatec’s innovative Prawn Humane Stunner Universal (A-HSU TM) ensures shrimps are stunned unconscious in less than a second without being taken out of water. Our goal is to provide eligible shrimp producers worldwide with this cutting-edge equipment free of charge until the end of 2025, encouraging the adoption of humane practices industry-wide.

By joining forces, Shrimp Welfare Project and Ace Aquatec aim to revolutionise slaughter processes globally, addressing the urgent need for welfare improvements. We look forward to seeing the positive impact this partnership will have on shrimp farming and welfare standards worldwide.

In the past month, we attended: 

• Animal Advocacy Strategy Forum 2024

• Animal & Vegan Advocacy (AVA) Summit in Washington, DC, USA (May 16 → May 19)

• EA Global in London, UK (May 31 → June 2)

Additionally, we look forward to attending the upcoming events: 

• Shrimp Summit 2024 in Chennai, India (June 27 → June 29)

If you want to learn more about shrimp welfare and the shrimp farming industry:

• Our Humane Slaughter Initiative was highlighted in this recent industry article from The Fish Site. Krzysztof Wojtas, our Chief Programmes Officer, is quoted discussing the exciting partnership with Ace Aquatec.

• A recent webinar was held, titled "Aquaculture: A New Frontier in Food Colonialism," dedicated to exploring the ethical and environmental impacts of the Norwegian salmon farming industry on the Global South.

Job opportunities in aquatic animals:

• Corporate Engagement Manager - Centre for Aquaculture Progress

• Engagement Specialist - Centre for Aquaculture Progress