The Global Aquaculture Alliance (GAA) and IFFO, the Marine Ingredients Organisation, have released a report urging the industry and government to work together to improve practices in the South East Asia fisheries supplying raw material for fishmeal production.
The report was produced by Duncan Leadbitter of Fish Matter Pty following completion of the jointly-funded ten-month project which aims to promote sustainability in the sector.
Petter Johannessen, IFFO director general, said the project was the first to study the fishmeal industry and its main sources of raw material supply, across Thailand and Vietnam. The fishmeal and fish oil sector in South East Asia has grown significantly over the past fifty years but fisheries management practices remain variable in the region.
Duncan Leadbitter, project lead, said, “Although fishmeal and fish oil are a key feed ingredient for the region, information is generally lacking in terms of both fisheries and fisheries production. Asian nations are aware of the current situation and are actively moving to implement the reforms required to get their fisheries on to a responsible footing.”
Recommendations
Effective management has been a technical challenge but the global markets’ drive for certification provides an opportunity for improved practices, especially through a Fishery Improvement Plan (FIP) approach. Success is dependent on industry and government working together.
An integrated approach that engages industry, national governments and international organisations is more likely to be successful given the diverse and dispersed nature of the fisheries sector in countries across South East Asia.
