Thirty years ago, squid cuttlefish and octopus were regional delicacies of the Mediterranean countries and Eastern Asia. Now they are billion-dollar fisheries and a regular feature in restaurants and homes around the world.
What were once specialty items now account for four percent of the global seafood trade, doing an estimated $8.3 billion a year, it was announced at the World Congress on Cephalopods, held during the Conxemar International Frozen Products Exhibition in Vigo, Spain, and co-sponsored by the UN. Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO).
The event drew 350 participants from 24 countries representing private sector, traders, fishing companies, government agencies and scientists discussing the current state and future of the cephalopod fisheries. Global stocks of squid, octopus and cuttlefish rise and fall in response to warm and cool years, as well as fishing pressure, and are quick to bounce back if they are well managed, because of their short life cycles and huge numbers, the Congress was told.
There were recommendations for stronger management measures and the effective use of scientific information, as well as catch data and feedback from the fishing industry to make real time management decisions. In the context of the debate on sustainability of the resources, the Congress also discussed the advantages and disadvantages of the eco-labeling, including the private labels and programs established by countries and regions like Alaska and Iceland.
The Congress was also briefed by the FAO on the global challenges of food and nutrition security and poverty alleviation, and the importance of fisheries in this fight. It also agreed on the importance of private sector cooperation, where it respects the interests of developing countries, as a strong driver of sectoral development and consequent economic and social benefits. Social and corporate responsibility adopted by many companies is one of the most important elements.
Cephalopods are prized delicacies in European countries such as Spain, and Italy and throughout Eastern Asia. Squid, octopus and cuttlefish are found in coastal and oceanic waters all over the world, sometimes in huge numbers and the world's biggest exporters are Thailand, Spain, China, Argentina, Morocco and Mauritania.
