Tag FAO

The United Nations' Food and Agriculture Organization convened fishery officials from around the world in Morocco last week and referred to the industry as the world's fastest-growing food-producing sector. This infographic takes a closer look at the importance of aquaculture featuring FAO statistics. 

The aquaculture industry influences global seafood prices by increasing international trade competition. The fish price indices published by the Food and Agricultural Organization of the United Nations report the aggregate effects of seafood supply and demand. 

Although its overall production is rising, aquaculture is using less fishmeal and fish oil in feed formulations, and increasing amounts of this fishmeal and oil come from byproducts of fish processing. 

Seafood production people have to bring on healthful new product innovations, and marketing people must promote them to consumers who favor taste over health benefits in food choices. 

International groups agree that nations worldwide should better assess and manage the risks and benefits of fish consumption and more effectively communicate them to their citizens. 

Although state-of-the-art research has led to breakthroughs in cost efficiency, productivity and sustainability, further advances will be needed to support expansion of the industry to meet growing seafood demand. The North Atlantic Seafood Forum identified challenges and proposed solutions for varied issues. 

Seaweed farming has both proven history and huge potential. Large-scale farms could produce raw materials for biofuel, aquatic feeds and human consumption. 

At a United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) workshop 14 shrimp-producing countries discussed strategies for controlling shrimp diseases.