Aquaculture is the fastest growing fresh food sector at 8% p.a. As an example, the global supply of salmonids has increased ca. 40% over the past decade following the global demand for healthy and sustainable protein. Sustainable intensification of aquaculture is a necessity sector-wide to contribute meaningfully to global food security. Growth is however limited by viral and bacteriological diseases which cause large economic losses globally to fish farming industries therefore a key component will be reducing losses to disease. Central to this effort will be to understand the meaning of ‘good’ health and the development of robust health biomarkers that facilitate management in the diverse aquaculture environments found worldwide. Thus informing the early symptoms of impaired animal welfare. In parallel early diagnosis of pathogens is crucial to prevent the spread of disease causing reduced growth.
Bringing Science to the Field: Innovative Molecular Tools for the Benefit of Farmers
CANADA - Remarks by Simon MacKenzie, Stirling University, United Kingdom, during the aquaculture breakout session at the 2016 World Nutrition Forum in Vancouver, Canada.
