Regal Springs®️, a global tilapia producer, envisions delivering the finest tilapia to the world. Operating within Mexico, their production hubs are strategically located in Lake Malpaso and Lake Peñitas, making them pivotal employers in the Tilapia-Aquaculture Sector of the region:
- Ranking among the top five employers in Chiapas’ food industry.
- Directly employing 680 skilled individuals in aquaculture across Chiapas.
- Over 98% of Regal Springs Mexico’s workforce is Mexican, with over 90% hailing from Chiapas.
- An impressive 19,000 people in Chiapas benefit from ESG (social and environmental) programs branded under “CUIDAMOS,” enhancing community activities.
- Extending benefits to more than 23,000 Mexicans through employment, supply chain jobs, and community programs.
Sustainability has been deeply ingrained in Regal Springs’ business model since its inception in 1988. Founded by Mr. Rudi Lamprecht, a UN social worker, the company aimed to pioneer the production and sale of responsibly sourced, premium quality tilapia globally. This commitment has been acknowledged through the highest level of third-party certifications.
Regal Springs’ “We Care” Sustainability Program stands as a beacon of uniqueness within the tilapia aquaculture industry, featuring several dedicated, localized projects. Collaborating with communities, they monitor and protect the natural lake ecosystem, engage in reforestation and agroforestry projects for local villages, plant native tree species to mitigate flooding, soil erosion, and wildfires, and actively contribute funds and equipment to enhance schools, clinics, and infrastructure.
The integration of environmental, social, and governance (ESG) activities into their overarching contribution to the Blue Food movement is designed to yield a positive impact. Regal Springs firmly believes that responsible tilapia farming plays a vital role in global food security. By embracing responsible farming practices, they not only add essential protein to the world’s food supplies but also help in preserving threatened ocean fish stocks. As an active member of the Blue Food Partnership’s Sustainable Aquaculture Working Group, led by Friends of Ocean Action, Regal Springs continues to make a substantial positive impact by leveraging sustainable aquaculture to meet the nutritional needs of the rapidly growing population while combating climate change and striving for zero hunger.
Some of their community programs include:
Health
Providing support during the COVID-19 pandemic in coordination with the Mexican Red Cross. Conducting Health Days in 14 communities, reaching a total of 1,882 people. Successfully completing the construction of the Bajo Amacohite Health House.
Education
Conducting environmental workshops in collaboration with CONANP. Rehabilitating three schools in Ostuacán and Mezcalapa, benefiting over 260 children. Supporting employee education through an Adult Education program, resulting in 65 employees completing their primary and secondary education.
Lakes and Water
Implementing the first and second stage of the use and management project of water lilies in Peñitas, in agreement with the University of Sciences and Arts of Chiapas (UNICACH). Supporting aquaculture cooperatives in Peñitas and Malpaso through the Aquaculture Development Program. Utilizing floating feed to reduce waste and maintain water quality. Regal Springs displays a steadfast commitment to minimize their environmental impact, with a significant focus on maintaining excellent water quality in their aquaculture operations. For years, they've adhered to a rigorous Lake Water Quality Assurance Testing Program, led by local experts mentored by world-renowned professionals in limnology and water science. Utilizing biological and chemical indicators, they consistently monitor water quality to meet their high standards and regulatory requirements.
Infrastructure
Rehabilitating the hydraulic system of Nuevo Xochimilco in Ostuacán, ensuring water access for over 1,500 inhabitants. Rehabilitating three schools in the communities of Plan de Ayala and Bajo Amacohite in Ostuacán, benefiting more than 260 children. Pioneering innovation by implementing electric stunning (in partnership with AceAquatec) in their Mexican operations in 2022, representing a significant intersection of industry innovation and fish welfare improvements.
Reforestation
Singularly investing in the Selva El Ocote Biosphere Reserve within Chiapas. Successfully reforesting 55.3 hectares across 66 plots. Estimating a carbon capture of 5,739 tons in the reforested plots over at least 25 years.
With a policy of zero fish wastage, Regal Springs utilizes every part of the fish, leaving virtually nothing to waste. They meticulously select prime tilapia cuts to ensure an exceptional culinary experience, and creatively repurpose the rest of the fish into valuable pharmaceutical, cosmetic, or fertilizer products.
Regal Springs’ extraordinary efforts transcend mere eco-certifications; they are deeply embedded in their ESG program. This commitment aligns seamlessly with Iberostar’s vision of supporting initiatives that uplift local communities in the countries where they operate. During the challenging times of COVID-19, their operations supported communities and workers through a public health-related program (SDG 3), providing food security (SDG 2) through nutritional protein intakes and supplemental food packages. They’re instrumental in securing access to economic resources (SDG 1) and providing employment in rural communities, especially in Chiapas (SDG 8).
At the core of their sustainable farming practices is responsible consumption and production of tilapia (SDG 12). Regal Springs is dedicated to farming tilapia fish naturally and responsibly, enabling them to swim freely in natural conditions within floating net cages in the lake. These tilapia are raised without preservatives, growth hormones, or chemical additives. Moreover, Regal Springs has actively joined the IDH Environmental Footprint Aquaculture Working Group, initiating efforts to measure their carbon and environmental footprint, starting with their operations in Honduras, with a view to expand this initiative to all their production sites.
**** I originally wrote this copy for Iberostar’s 2022 Annual Seafood Report and I’ve adapted it for this blog.
Photo Credit: Regal Springs website.