The UN's Food and Agriculture Organization and other international bodies have repeatedly pointed to the importance of sustainably farmed fish and shellfish in delivering food security. In addition, the health benefits of eating oily fish have been highlighted by the UK's Food Standards Agency.
Achieving sustainable food security from marine fish and shellfish stocks is not always easy or straightforward. This has led policy-makers, scientists and others to re-evaluate the potential of aquaculture to provide sustainable fish and shellfish for the English public's table.
There is a strong aquaculture industry in Scotland, and Wales has a robust aquaculture strategy. In England, a policy on and strategy for sustainable aquaculture is still emerging. Therefore, the objective of the workshop is to produce a clear understanding and action plan for the future of aquaculture in England.
Keith Jeffery, from Cefas, told World Fishing: "We know that almost half of all fish consumed in the UK is from farmed sources. If we are serious about encouraging more consumption of fish, and we need to sustainably deliver that, we will need a clear approach to finfish aquaculture in England.
"The purpose of this workshop is to work through some of the practical issues and to arrive at a plan of action for the future."
Workshop Tackles Issues on Sustainable Aquaculture
UK - A major two-day workshop, to consider sustainable aquaculture in England concludes today.
