Annual report 2014/2015

Abstract

Today, fish is recognized as a global superfood, providing nutrients and micronutrients that are essential to cognitive and physical development, especially in children, and is an important part of a healthy diet. Globally, 3 billion people rely on fish for almost 20% of their animal protein. And demand for fish is increasing. Projections suggest that we will have a 68-78 million metric ton shortfall of fish by 2030. This will be especially acute in sub-Saharan Africa, where aquaculture has yet to fully develop and where fish consumption is projected to decline. In addition to contributing to food and nutrition security, fisheries and aquaculture provide employment to millions of people. In Africa, Asia and the Pacific in particular, many of the most resource-poor rely on fishing as a primary source of income. WorldFish is committed to ensuring that the research undertaken do makes a real and tangible difference in the lives of people who depend on fish for their food security and their livelihoods. This years annual report focuses on works in the following few key areas: 1) Developing aquaculture technologies and supporting sustainable fisheries management to meet the challenge of producing enough fish; 2) Ensuring that fish is an affordable food for resource-poor and vulnerable consumers to meet the challenge of nutrition security; 3) Promoting Gender to enhance agricultural productivity, increase food security and incomes for resource-poor smallholders; 4) Investing in fish value chain development to meet the challenge of equitably distributing the economic benefits of aquatic agricultural systems"