Fish Farming must play a significant role – Fishfarmer Magazine

Fish Farming must play a significant role25 June, 2010 –

FISH farming must play a significant role in future food security.

This is one of the key messages which will be delivered at the second Aquaculture Research Conference to be held on Monday 28 June by the University of Stirling’s Institute of Aquaculture.

The message will be delivered by Peter Hajipieris from Bird’s Eye Iglo, who will outline this major food manufacturer’s and retailer’s perspective on the importance of sustainable fish farming.  Peter says: “Fish farming as an industrial food production method is a relatively young industry compared to land based farming. For this reason, everyone involved with fish farming must work hard to ensure that the industry operates in a responsible manner consistent with sustainable fisheries development to ensure it offers us viable choice in meeting the challenges of food security”.

The human culture of fish and shellfish is a 3,000 year old industry which has only experienced rapid development in the last 40 years. Today the industry supplies food product which accounts for half of the world’s fish consumption.

“Culture of fish offers the ability to control the quality of fish produced, which is an important retail requirement,” says Peter. “However, we must continue to support better understanding of resource utilisation for fish farming and educate the benefits of less wastage in the supply chain as well. For this reason, we are actively supporting the development of responsible fish farming standards across the industry. This includes academic institutions, industry organisations such as the International Fishmeal and Fish Oil Organisation and new bodies such as the Aquaculture Stewardship Council.”

Seventy postgraduate research students from twenty-two countries study at the world renowned Institute of Aquaculture and many of them will make Conference presentations on subjects which encompass all aspects of fish and shellfish culture. Their research assessments include the effects of disease, reproduction, ecotoxicology, environmental issues; large scale modelling and global food security issues.

Dr Richard Corner, the Institute’s conference organiser says: “As countries worldwide grapple with the challenge of increasing production whilst minimising harmful impacts, our students represent a significant research resource. Peter Hajipieris’ expertise is well recognised within industry and his experience and contributions to the sector are second to none. We are very pleased he has accepted our invitation to give a keynote speech at our conference and we anticipate a lively lecture and discussion.”