New study examines how aquaculture improvement projects address risk beyond the farm

Aquaculture Improvement Projects (AIPs) have emerged as a novel form of market-based sustainability governance. SUPERSEAS researcher and PhD candidate Mariska Bottema recently published a paper on the topic in the scientific journal Aquaculture. The paper identifies key challenges that private actors leading AIPs face when trying to address aquaculture risks. The study shows that AIPs struggle with institutionalizing management of risks beyond the farm, such as disease and water pollution, because of the difficulties both NGOs and buyers face in inducing cooperation between farmers. It suggests that AIPs are more likely to be successful in institutionalizing shared risk management, if they build on the existing social networks of farmers.

Read more in Mariska’s blog via the CGIAR website or access the full article in Aquaculture.