Roy Palmer, president-elect of the chapter, made this remark at the Asian-Pacific Aquaculture (APA) 2009 and Malaysian International Seafood Exposition (MISE) 2009 here, according to a Chinese news agency, Xinhua.
Mr Palmer said that oceans and waterways produced the world's most traded food commodity, which was essentially the seafood.
However, he said that no one seemed to talk about the oceans of waterways when it came to finding ways to meet the food demand of the world population estimated to be nine billion by 2050.
Stressing that the world needed 70 per cent more food than it needed now, Mr Palmer said the aquaculture's potential was evidenced by the wild caught fishing at its maximum.
He said that aquaculture was producing about 50 per cent of the world's seafood and the region of Asia-Pacific dominated the production with nearly 90 per cent in terms of quantity and just under 80 per cent in terms of value.
The APA 2009, organized by World Aquaculture Society, Malaysian Fisheries Society and University Putra Malaysia, has attracted over 1,330 participants from more than 50 countries.
The event – from 3 to 6 November – features 20 sessions ranging aspects in production, breeding and genetics, nutrition and health for some of the marine creatures.
Held in conjunction with the APA 2009 is the MISE 2009, showcasing the seafood industry in Malaysia that is now being transformed into a sustainable industry with food safety and quality foremost considerations.
Seafood Can Contribute to Feeding Growing Population
MALAYSIA - Seafood should be viewed as the source of food to meet the ever increasing food demand in the future, said an official of the Asian Pacific Chapter of the World Aquaculture Society at a meeting in Kulal Lumpur yesterday.
