Aquaculture. Five priorities for global sustainability – In recent years, aquaculture has experienced unprecedented growth, becoming a crucial pillar in the global food sector. However, with this expansion has come an urgent need for effective governance to ensure sustainable growth.
A new study by an international consortium of aquaculture experts has identified five priority areas that require immediate attention to promote optimal management of the sector.
Sustainability goals
The first action point highlighted in the report is the need for governments to set clear sustainability targets for aquaculture. This step is crucial to address challenges such as climate change, environmental performance and food security.
Cross-sectoral linkages
The second point focuses on the importance of recognising and considering the links between aquaculture and other industries, such as fisheries, particularly with regard to feed ingredients.
Land-water-sea connectivity
The analysis of the dynamics between land, water and sea emerges as the third critical area. Understanding how these elements interact is key to addressing the challenges of biosecurity, transport and climate change impacts on coastal regions.
Knowledge and innovation
The report emphasises that industry and governments must consider diverse types of knowledge, not limiting themselves to technical solutions, but also drawing on local or indigenous knowledge.
Value chains
The final priority area concerns value chains, which include processing, transport, trade and post-consumer disposal. All these elements contribute to the bigger picture of aquaculture sustainability.
Professor Dave Little, co-author of the study, emphasises the importance of effective governance to avoid damage to the industry. The five priority areas identified offer a unified approach to addressing the complex issues of aquaculture sustainability.
In conclusion, moving from fragmented efforts to an interconnected approach is essential to ensure a sustainable future for the aquaculture sector. The consortium of experts, comprising over thirty members from around the world, highlighted these priorities in its study published in the journal Current Opinion in Environmental Sustainability.
Aquaculture. Five priorities for global sustainability
