Ambekar Eknath, Director General of the Network of Aquaculture Centers in Asia- Pacific (NACA) questioned that with a growing world population, can this population be fed sustainably?
Stating that farmers must produce 70 per cent more food by 2050, Mr Eknath addressed the focus on Asia and its huge role in aquaculture production.
Asia currently accounts for around 90 per cent of global aquaculture production, and this figure is likely to grow.
Looking at aquaculture in Asia, Mr Eknath noted that most farms are small scale and it is likely to stay this way. Small scale farms ensure that rural communities are fed as well as areas further away. Aquaculture is therefore a form of food security for many rural areas living in poverty.
In the future it is also projected that the amount of capture fisheries will stay the same in order to protect biodiversity and fragile stocks meaning the weight of the demand will fall upon the growth of aquaculture. It is also expected that the majority of the growth demand will be Asia and Africa.
Before aquaculture expands it must first overcome challenges which include the negative view on aquaculture as something that harms biodiversity. Aquaculture is still a fairly new food producing sector and therefore is still on a learning curve. However, the track record is good but more action is still required.
