Aquaculture: the last frontier for sustainable food security?

Abstract

Fish has become a political commodity, thanks to its increasing scarcity and its high value. Aquaculture offers opportunities as the last frontier for sustaining the contribution of fish to food security. Asia is at the forefront of world aquaculture development and has many lessons to share, even within the region. Though aquaculture has made remarkable contributions to availability of food, it promises far more than has already been achieved. Aquaculture can produce more affordable fish, income-generat-ing activities and rural development. If well managed, aquaculture can even contribute to conservation of the environment. These benefits will not be realized, however, without the removal of several constraints that it currently faces. Feed costs must be reduced, better quality seed made available, more ecologically friendly, safer and healthier farming practices used, 'the rights of poor farmers and local communities protected, and sound regulations implemented to underpin equity, sustainability and trade. For this, greater investment in research, technologial development, information dissemination and training will be needed. These investments, will help tame the last frontier for sustainable food security - aquaculture - and ensure that its benefits are available to all, not just the wealthy but also the poor for whom food security is still a primary challenge.