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A recent government-sponsored workshop concluded that increased home based aquaculture production could help to contribute to increased food security across the UK.
The security of global fish stocks was labelled “very unfavourable” in a recent assessment of UK food security (the access to affordable safe and nutritious food). Yet, increased aquaculture production in Britain and especially in England which has a smaller industry than Scotland could help to contribute to increased local production as a means of securing future supply, supporting local economies and delivering a carbon-efficient outcome.
The two-day event, co-sponsored by the Centre for Environment, Fisheries & Aquaculture Science (Cefas) and the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra), highlighted the fact that the UK population is forecast to grow to 71 million by 2035.
In addition, there is a potential for growing consumer demand for fish and shellfish following the Food Standards Agency recommendations that individuals eat two portions of fish per week. If this recommendation was followed, it would require an additional 20 million portions of fish or shellfish per week.
Aquaculture can play a role in addressing these needs. Finfish production is the most efficient animal production (by quantity of feed to produced food). In addition, due to its geography England can provide onshore, offshore and inshore opportunities for aquaculture.
The workshop participants considered that a long-term enabling strategy for aquaculture plus access to better financial instruments were essential to ensure that English aquaculture would have the desired impact. Such a strategy should build on previous Scottish and Welsh experiences whilst recognising the differences between these countries.
Should fisheries be closed during breeding time to allow stocks to reach more sustainable levels?
