The Aquaculture Stewardship Council (ASC) recently released a new film called Transforming Aquaculture in the State of Rio de Janeiro. The film looks at aquaculture efforts in Rio de Janeiro, the aquaculture industry, and the Rio 2016 Olympic committee to improve the environmental and social impacts of aquaculture in the region.
The film was released at Seafood Expo North America earlier this week in Boston, Massachusetts. In the flim, Laurent Viguié, ASC Latin America Manager, talks with representatives of the Rio 2016 Olympic Committee and State of Rio de Janeiro, while visiting farms that committed to ASC certification to supply seafood to the Rio 2016 Olympic and Paralympic Games.
"A challenge we face is helping small scale farms understand the tangible benefits of ASC certification," Viguié said. "Through the ASC program, these farms will improve their management and reduce their environmental impacts. As a result, they will be able to provide seafood for Rio 2016 and increase their access to market."
“Brazil is an important market for us. It is one of the global emerging markets where ASC must demonstrate relevance if we are to achieve our vision,” said Chris Ninnes, CEO at ASC.
"The efforts these farms are making really shows the power of tremendous commitments such as made by Rio 2016 in bringing about the positive transformation of the industry. These first farms in Rio will set the solid foundations for the potential across Brazil and Latin America. A huge step towards the Olympic Organizing Committee, FIPERJ and ASC achieving their shared vision of a future of well-managed, responsible aquaculture in the state of Rio, helping to conserve and protect our natural resources. I'd like to extend my sincere thanks for the commitment FIPERJ and the Olympic Organizing Committee have shown towards to the ambition of the ASC."
The State of Rio is among the leading seafood producers in the country. There are approximately 1000 aquiculture farmers in the state.
