The Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) in its report mentioned that the lack of access to global markets and to financing for small-scale fishers challenged the growth of the aquaculture sector. According to FAO the change in climate presents unquantifiable threats of temperature increase, weather and water supply.
It is reported that globally, the aquaculture sub-sector posted an annual growth rate of 11.8 percent in 1985-1995, slowing to 7.1 percent the next decade, and to 6.1 percent in 2004-2006 period. FAO also commented that the question remains whether the aquaculture sector can grow fast enough to sustain projected demand for fish, while ensuring consumer protection, maintaining environmental integrity, and achieving social responsibility.
The data from the Bureau of Agricultural Statistics (BAS) show that in the Philippines, growth in aquaculture production slowed to 4.11 percent in the first half from 5.77 percent during the same period last year. The report says the growth in commercial and municipal fisheries production dipped to 1.28 percent and 1.18 percent, respectively, in the first half from 10.65 percent and 7.2 percent, respectively, during the same period last year due to high costs of fuel and typhoon that discouraged fishing operations.
According to the report small-scale farmers in developing countries are facing difficulties in exporting their produce, and need help to become competitive and access global markets. Gil A. Adora, assistant director of the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources told that the private sector can help the small-scale fishers by providing capital.
