The international growth of aquaculture activities, and its effect on sustainability, was discussed at the International Aquaculture Conference 10-11 September in Brussels. The key objective of the conference was to examine ways that aquaculture can be compatible with other policies such as development and trade, while keeping to the objectives of sustainability.
The conference was organized by the European Bureau for Conservation and Development (EBCD) and the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) in partnership with the European Economic and Social Committee (EESC) and promoted by the Spanish Ministry of Environment, Rural and Marine Affairs.
With a global increase of seafood demand, added to the over-fishing of certain species, the aquaculture sector is of growing interest. However, during the conference the industry emphasized the sector’s concerns for the future. Increasing market competition with imported products, combined with increasing costs linked to legislative and market demands, was complemented by more attention being needed, particularly on environmental issues.
The conference aimed at looking at the different elements of aquaculture that can contribute to food security, economic growth and employment. The sessions covered the issues of international trade of aquaculture, its contribution to social development and local aquaculture development. The possibility of an international certification scheme was also discussed as a viable contribution for ensuring the industry’s sustainability.
Conference participants included representatives of the consumers associations, the retailer sector, the aquaculture sector (both from the EU and third countries), EU policy makers (European Commission, Parliament, Presidency, representatives of the Member States), the FAO, environmental organisations, and trade unions.