The Aquaculture Stewardship Council (ASC), Laylanta Co., Ltd. and Bangkok Marriott Marquis Queen’s Park have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to implement an Aquaculture Improvement Project (AIP) under ASC’s Improver Programme, aimed at enhancing the sustainability of barramundi cage culture in Songkhla Lake.
Located in southern Thailand, Songkhla Lake is the country’s largest natural lake and a distinctive lagoon system that supports rich biodiversity and local livelihoods. However, environmental pressures from climate change, wastewater discharge and increased human activity have led to declining water quality, greater sedimentation and rising risks of eutrophication. These challenges are particularly significant for small-scale barramundi farmers, who often lack the resources and technical capacity to monitor and respond to changing water conditions.
Chris Ninnes, CEO of ASC, said, “This initiative is critical to drive improvements in farming practices, safeguard the lake’s ecological health, and ensure the long-term resilience of the local communities.
“Partnerships like this demonstrate how market demand can be a powerful driver for positive change in aquaculture. By combining the ASC Improver Programme with strong local engagement and buyer commitment, we can support farmers in making meaningful improvements while protecting the ecosystems they depend on.”
The collaboration brings together actors across the supply chain to improve farming practices through technical support and market incentives. By establishing a structured AIP, the initiative aims to help small-scale farmers adopt improved practices and progress towards ASC certification.
Thasit Natteesongsor, Director and Co-founder of Laylanta Seafood Co., Ltd., said, “Our goal for Songkhla Lake is to reduce the environmental impact of aquaculture, starting with a shift toward eco-friendly farming. We are pioneering the responsible farming with 11 pilot farms and aim to scale up to 100 farms; by engaging with small-scale farmers and communities living around the lake, this is a long-terms goal within the next three years.
Since our community consists mostly of small-scale farmers who lack technical expertise, we believe the AIP is the right path forward. While this transition requires a learning curve, we are committed to the process because the long-term benefits will create a lasting, positive impact across the entire Songkhla Lake ecosystem.”
Stephen Doe, Cluster Director of Culinary at Bangkok Marriott Marquis Queen’s Park, said, “Responsible seafood sourcing is central to our sustainability commitment, and this MoU with Laylanta and ASC reflects our responsibility to support traceable, responsibly farmed seafood. By providing consistent demand, we can help strengthen local barramundi producers in the Songkhla Lake area while delivering high-quality products to our guests.”
The project will focus on reducing environmental impacts, improving farm performance and increasing production efficiency, while expanding market access for responsibly farmed seafood. Key areas identified for improvement include water quality monitoring, feeding practices, record keeping, biosecurity and ecosystem management to ensure farming remains within the lake’s ecological capacity.
The MoU sets out a three-year collaboration aimed at delivering measurable improvements at farm level. Laylanta will lead implementation and farmer engagement, while Bangkok Marriott Marquis Queen’s Park will support the initiative through responsible sourcing to help generate demand for improved products. ASC will provide the framework, technical guidance and global support.
