Guidelines for sustainable aquaculture have been introduced by the United Nations’ Food and Agriculture Organization, which notes the importance of sustainability practices, what with aquaculture being the fastest-growing food production sector globally.
The new guidelines, announced July 15 by NOAA Fisheries, aim to develop global aquaculture best practices to ensure aquaculture growth is sustainable.
Rapid growth of this sector of aquaculture has exposed challenges for environmental, social and economic sustainability for an aquaculture sector aimed at contributing to the fight against global hunger and bolstering resilience to climate change, NOAA Fisheries officials said.
The Guidelines for Sustainable Aquaculture (GSA) are designed to support members and other stakeholders in implementation of the 1995 Code of Conduct for Responsible Fisheries.
The GSA, which provides a comprehensive framework for addressing the challenges in the current era of rapid growth, contains guidelines that are voluntary, global in scope, and apply to diverse aquaculture contexts, species, environments and activities, including fisheries, agriculture, wildlife, tourism, energy, mining and transportation.
The guidelines note that effective governance minimizes risks to both society and farmers, ensuring proper resource allocation and fostering a secure environment for investment. Aquaculture, employing and utilizing diverse farming systems and species, benefits from traditional and innovative management practices, the report said.
Responsible production, both through use of unfed species and improvements to the feed and feed management of fed species, improves resource use efficiency and reduces environmental impact, the report states.
Guidelines include the recommendation that states and relevant stakeholders invest in aquaculture research and innovation to improve its economic, environmental and social performance throughout the value chain, while prioritizing sustainable development and aiming for long-term improvements.
Development and implementation of innovative technologies can make aquaculture systems more precise, smart, environmentally performant and climate resilient, according to the report.