The National Fisheries Institute(NFI)’s Crab Council in the United States is getting some attention on the international stage for its work with blue swimming crab Fisheries Improvement Projects (FIP)s.
The U.N. Global Compact, which highlights, “examples of global industry associations promoting sustainable development around the world,” is recognizing the council for its FIP work in five Southeast Asian nations, according to a statement from NFI.
“The Crab Council’s model of fishery improvement has earned praise, grants and support from leading foundations and international organizations,” said Breandan Sweeny, the council’s chairman. “The Council’s recent acknowledgement by the U.N. Global Compact, which promotes business as a motivator of economic and social change, provides further reinforcement of the council’s industry-sponsored mission.”
Council members that import blue swimming crab assess themselves a fee for each pound, and use the funds to sponsor FIPs and other sustainability projects related to the species. The council partners with organizations including the Indonesian Blue Swimming Crab Association (APRI) in Indonesia, the Philippine Association of Crab Processors (PACPI) in the Philippines, the Thai Crab Product Group (TCPG), the Crab Council of the Vietnam Association of Seafood Exporters and Producers (VASEP), and the Seafood Exporters’ Association of Sri Lanka (SEASL).
“Blue swimming crab is a valued seafood item and an important export for many countries in Asia,” said Ed Rhodes, the council’s Executive Director. “The fishery management being put in place today by those closest to the resource, with Crab Council assistance, will help ensure crabs continue to fill nets and menus for years to come. The result is an ecologic and economic win.”
