Growing middle class demand of seafood in China and other Asian nations has put new pressure on the aquaculture industry to find sustainable ways to increase productivity. The estimates of rising demand, which far exceed earlier projections based solely on population increases, indicate that seafood demand is likely to keep rising for several decades.
Discussing this issue Global Outlook for Aquaculture Leadership (GOAL) 2010 meeting was held. The meeting was presented by the Global Aquaculture Alliance and the Malaysia Department of Fisheries, revealed global trends that are driving seafood demand and sustainable solutions for increased aquaculture productivity. Its momentous conclusions helped buyers and producers adjust their strategic plans to avoid potential disruptions in supply and demand.
Economist Albert Zeufack of the World Bank, said that there will be over three billion new consumers by 2030. Economist Ragnar Tveteras evaluated economic indicators from the International Monetary Fund and World Bank to project a startling conclusion that triangulated with feedback from previous speakers on the Chinese market: China will shift from being a net seafood exporter to a net seafood importer by 2011.
According to the speakers there will be sustainable increase in seafood production to meet the rising demand by adopting improved technologies that produce more seafood with fewer resources. Robins McIntosh of the C.P. Group described advances in penaeid shrimp technology using genetically improved animals within controlled growout systems to increase productivity.
A key benefit of GOAL was the opportunity for industry leaders to network during pre-conference tours, luncheons, coffee breaks and receptions. A highlight of the event was the gala reception at the prestigious Malaysian Petroleum Club, which offered a commanding view of Kuala Lumpur from the heights of the city’s trademark Petronas Twin Towers.
