The crowd at the GAA''s session during the International Boston Seafood Show heard experts address the massive expansion of global seafood demand that will soon face the aquaculture industry.
A main goal for the "Averting an Impending Seafood Shortage: Building on the Insights of GOAL 2010" session was to explore how the varied elements of aquaculture can work together to prepare for a future with higher seafood demand and tighter global resources.
Shahridan Faiez of the World Bank said China and India are driving expansion of the global middle class and accompanying interest in quality seafood. Li Zhong, president of the China Aquatic Production Chamber of Commerce, said that although China has boosted aquaculture production, the increase can't keep up with demand. China will soon become a net importer of seafood.
Adolfo Alvial explained that disease problems within Chile's salmon farming industry are being addressed. The sector is recovering through revised regulations, greater research and monitoring, and cooperation among supporting industries, including the investment community.
Joe Zhou, a seafood director at Darden, said aquaculture can sustainably support additional production to meet growing demand, but consumer prices must remain affordable to maintain growth. In a related presentation, Michael Rubino, manager of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Aquaculture Program, said NOAA supports national US policy that puts marine aquaculture in the context of stewardship, social and economic goals.
