Blue Shrimp Sailboat FiSherY

Usually, catching shrimp requires heavy trawling gear and high engine power. Such industrial trawling destroys the seafloor and requires a lot of fuel. The sailboat fishery is quite the opposite: Blown by the wind, shrimp are harvested the right way!

The “Suripera” is a light drift net which is pulled by the sailboat at a debt of 3 – 4 meters. Suripera fishing is the most sustainable form for catching shrimp, as it does not harm the seafloor and has minimal by-catch.

Blue Shrimp are a highly delicate species: Caught by the light Suripera net, the shrimp remain intact during the catch and once hauled on board, they are preserved in ice. Such carefully caught shrimp is a true ocean delicacy!

In order to maximize the up-side value and revenues for fishermen and communities, Blueyou is improving the cool chain and post-harvest procedures from catch vessels to final manufacturing of frozen export products.

Blue Shrimp grow fast and reproduce in high numbers. This makes them resilient towards overfishing. Thanks to the low impact gear and seasonal closures, stocks are stable. Still, Blueyou and its local partner are further improving the management of the fishery to secure healthy stocks in the future.

Local fishing cooperatives have been harvesting shrimp and other seafood species in the nutrient-rich waters of the lagoons for centuries. Fair Trade supports their efforts in differentiating their harvest on local and global markets – and recognizing them as true custodians of healthy oceans!

The Blue Shrimp fishery does not only provide most of the income of local fishing cooperatives but creates important job opportunities for community members in handling and processing the harvest.

The Fair Trade certification program is strengthening coastal communities as active stewards of local marine resources. Taking care of our oceans and making sure there is plenty of seafood to harvest for future generations to come!