Dr Tim Adams, who heads SPC’s Marine Resources Division, told Pacific government representatives at last week’s meeting of SPC’s governing body that, “Aquaculture will become increasingly important for exports and food security. As wild stocks come under increasingly rigorous management – as they absolutely have to if they are to remain viable into the longer-term future – the economic balance will tip further in favour of aquaculture.”
Dr Adams stressed that Pacific Island countries and territories should have a forward-thinking plan in place before this happens “to avoid foreseeable problems occurring such as overcrowding of farms, or unintended introduction of parasites or invasive species”.
Pacific fisheries officials in charge of aquaculture will present updated country reports at this week’s meeting, and evaluate the general status and trends for aquaculture in the Pacific. They will then formulate a regional work programme for the next five years.
Source: Port Vila Peesse