WORLDWIDE IMPACTS OF SHRIMP PRODUCTION

Early day motion 1528, tabled 3 July 2003 by Helen Clark (Labour). Signed by 31 members.

That this House is deeply concerned about environmental destruction and social injustice caused by shrimp production in many developing countries; is alarmed that shrimp fisheries are responsible for one third of the world's discarded catch, despite producing less than two per cent. of global seafood; is also alarmed that shrimp farming has resulted in the destruction of critical wetland habitats, pollution of terrestrial and marine environments and increased pressure on coastal resources; is concerned that these impacts are depriving rural people of traditional livelihoods in some of the poorest countries in the world and that shrimp farming has been associated with violence and serious human rights abuses, including child labour, rape and murder; recognises that an estimated 99 per cent of farmed shrimp are produced in developing countries, mainly throughout Asia and Latin America, most of which is for export to Europe, the USA and Japan; calls upon the Government to take action to ensure that all shrimp entering the UK have been produced in a manner that is both environmentally sustainable and socially equitable; and calls upon the government as a first step to take a lead to ensure the adoption of a United Nations Food and Agriculture Organisation international plan of action of bycatch reduction.

Signatures by party: Labour 21, Liberal Democrat 7, Conservative 2, Plaid Cymru 1.