Aquaculture Development Beyond 2000: The Bangkok ...tion of the United Nations, Viale delle Terme di Caracalla, 00100 Rome, Italy. NACA/FAO – April 2000 Aquaculture Development Beyond

Aquaculture Development Beyond2000:

The Bangkok Declarationand Strategy

Conference onAquaculture Development in the Third Millennium

20-25 February 2000Bangkok, Thailand

April 2000

Aquaculture Development Beyond 2000: the Bangkok Declaration____________________________________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________________________Conference on Aquaculture in the Third Millennium

20-25 February 2000, Bangkok, Thailand

ii

The designations employed and the presentation of material in this publica-tion do not imply the expression of any opinion whatsoever on the part of theFood and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations and the Network ofAquaculture Centres in Asia-Pacific concerning the legal status of any coun-try, territory, city or area or of its authorities, or concerning the delimitationof its frontiers or boundaries.

ISBN: 974-85935-1-17

NACA/FAO. 2000. Aquaculture Development Beyond 2000: the BangkokDeclaration and Strategy. Conference on Aquaculture in the Third Millen-nium, 20-25 February 2000, Bangkok, Thailand. NACA, Bangkok and FAO,Rome. 27pp.

All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in aretrieval system, or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic, me-chanical, photocopying or otherwise, without the prior permission of thecopyright owner. Applications for such permission, with a statement of thepurpose and extent of the reproduction, should be addressed to the Co-ordinator, Network of Aquaculture Centres in Asia-Pacific (NACA), Network ofAquaculture Centres in Asia-Pacific (NACA), Suraswadi Building, Departmentof Fisheries, Kasetsart University Campus, Ladyao, Jatujak, Bangkok 10900,Thailand, or Director, Information Division, Food and Agriculture Organiza-tion of the United Nations, Viale delle Terme di Caracalla, 00100 Rome, Italy.

NACA/FAO – April 2000




iii

Preface

The first major international Conference on Aquaculture organisedby FAO was held in Kyoto, Japan in 1976. The Conference adoptedthe “Kyoto Declaration on Aquaculture.” In February 2000, some540 participants from 66 countries and more than 200 governmentaland non-governmental organisations participated in the “Conferenceon Aquaculture in the Third Millennium” in Bangkok, Thailand. Thisconference was organised by the Network of Aquaculture Centres inAsia-Pacific (NACA) and the FAO and hosted by the Government ofThailand. Additional support was provided by the European Union(EU), the Australian Agency for International Development (AusAID),the Canadian International Development Agency (CIDA), the DanishCentre for Environment and Development (DANCED), the Depart-ment of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries of Australia (AFFA), theRockefeller Brothers Fund, and the World Bank-Netherlands Part-nership Program.

Throughout 1999, NACA and the FAO facilitated the preparation ofreviews on aquaculture developments in Africa, Asia, Europe, LatinAmerica, North America, the countries of the former USSR, the NearEast, and the Pacific Island nations and held expert meetings toconsider major trends in aquaculture development. Fourteen The-matic Reviews on selected aspects of aquaculture were promoted andeight overviews on key issues were prepared for presentation anddiscussion at the Conference. All participants to the Conference re-ceived extended summaries of all material prepared. Twenty plenarypresentations and discussions, and 12 workshop sessions facilitatedby expert panels enabled participants to discuss and prioritise majorissues and strategic actions for follow-up.

Major themes discussed included policy-making and planning forsustainable aquaculture development (covering food security andpoverty alleviation, rural development, stakeholder involvement, in-centives, and legal and institutional frameworks); technological andR&D priorities (including systems/species, genetics, health man-agement, nutrition/feeding, and culture-based fisheries); humanresource development; international trade; product quality, safetyand marketing; regional/inter-regional co-operation; financing; andinstitutional support.

Against this background, the Conference participants discussed pri-orities and strategies for the development of aquaculture for the nexttwo decades, in the light of the future economic, social and environ-mental issues and advances in aquaculture technologies. Based on




iv

these deliberations, the participants adopted the Bangkok Declara-tion and Strategy for Aquaculture Development Beyond 2000.The Conference encouraged States, the private sector and other con-cerned stakeholders to incorporate in their strategies for aquaculturedevelopment the key strategy elements identified during this Confe r-ence.

The proceedings of the Conference, including global and regionalreviews on trends in aquaculture development, thematic reviews,keynote addresses and other invited presentations will be publishedby NACA and FAO.

NACA and FAO acknowledge all individuals and agencies who as-sisted in the conference process.

Hassanai KongkeoCo-ordinatorNetwork of Aquaculture Centres in Asia-Pacific (NACA)Suraswadi Building, Department of Fisheries,Kasetsart University Campus, Ladyao, JatujakBangkok 10900ThailandFax: + 66 2 561-1727E-mail: [email protected] - [email protected]: http://naca.fisheries.go.th

Jia JiansanChiefInland Water Resources and Aquaculture ServiceFishery Resources DivisionFisheries DepartmentFood and Agriculture Organization of the United NationsViale delle Terme di Caracalla00100 RomeItalyFax: + 39 06 570 - 53020E-mail: [email protected] – [email protected]: http://www.fao.org/fi/default.asp

Aquaculture Development Beyond 2000:The Bangkok Declaration

and Strategy




2




3

1 PREAMBLE

1.1 The first international Conference on Aquaculture or-ganised by the Food and Agriculture Organization of theUnited Nations (FAO) was held in Kyoto, Japan in 1976.The Conference adopted the “Kyoto Declaration onAquaculture.”

1.2 In February 2000, some 540 participants from 66 coun-tries participated in the “Conference on Aquaculture inthe Third Millennium” in Bangkok, Thailand. This Con-ference was organised by the Network of AquacultureCentres in Asia-Pacific (NACA) and the FAO and hostedby the Government of Thailand.

1.3 Throughout 1999, NACA and the FAO facilitated thepreparation of reviews on aquaculture developments inAfrica, Asia, Europe, Latin America, North America, thecountries of the former USSR, the Near East, and thePacific Island nations and held expert meetings to con-sider trends in aquaculture development. Thematic Re-views on various aspects of aquaculture were also con-ducted. Participants to the Bangkok Conference wereinformed of the findings and conclusions of these activi-ties.

1.4 Against this background, the Conference participantsdiscussed strategies for the development of aquaculturefor the next two decades, in the light of the future eco-nomic, social and environmental issues and advances inaquaculture technologies.

1.5 Based on these deliberations, the participants to theConference adopted the following Declaration.




4

2 THE DECLARATION

We, the participants to the Conference on Aquaculture inthe Third Millennium, Bangkok 2000, recognise that:

2.1 during the past three decades aquaculture has becomethe fastest growing food-producing sector and is an in-creasingly important contributor to national economicdevelopment, the global food supply and food security;

2.2 aquaculture consists of a broad spectrum of users, sys-tems, practices and species, operating through acontinuum ranging from backyard household ponds tolarge-scale industrial systems;

2.3 the per caput supply of food fish from capture fisheriesis likely to decline with population increase;

2.4 a great proportion of aquaculture production comes fromdeveloping countries, where aquaculture will continue tocontribute to peoples’ livelihoods, food security, povertyalleviation, income generation, employment and trade;

2.5 there has been a significant increase in commercial andindustrial aquaculture, both in developed and developingcountries, that has contributed to food supply, exportincome and trade;

2.6 globally, aquaculture is at varying stages of developmentand will require different strategies for growth;

2.7 the potential of aquaculture to contribute to foodproduction has not yet been realised across all conti-nents;

2.8 aquaculture complements other food production sys-tems, and integrated aquaculture can add value to thecurrent use of on-farm resources;

2.9 aquaculture can be an entry point for improving liveli-hoods, planning natural resource use and contributingto environmental e nhancement;




5

2.10 responsible aquaculture practitioners are legitimate us-ers of resources;

2.11 education and research will continue to make a signifi-cant contribution to the growth of aquaculture;

2.12 some poorly planned and managed aquaculture opera-tions have resulted in negative impacts on ecosystemsand communities;

2.13 aquaculture has also been negatively impacted by otherunplanned activities;

2.14 the continued growth of aquaculture will occur throughinvestment by the private and public sectors;

2.15 effective national institutional arrangements and capa c-ity, policy, planning and regulatory frameworks inaquaculture and other relevant sectors are essential tosupport aquaculture development;

2.16 improving co-operation amongst stakeholders at na-tional, regional and inter-regional levels is pivotal forfurther development of aquaculture;

2.17 the potential of aquaculture to contribute to human de-velopment and social empowerment cannot be fully re-alised without consistent, responsible policies and goalsthat encourage sustainable development;

and declare that:

2.18 the aquaculture sector should continue to be developedtowards its full potential, making a net contribution toglobal food availability, household food security, eco-nomic growth, trade and improved living standards;

2.19 the practice of aquaculture should be pursued as anintegral component of development, contributing to-wards sustainable livelihoods for poor sectors of thecommunity, promoting human development andenhancing social well-being;




6

2.20 aquaculture policies and regulations should promotepractical and economically viable farming and manage-ment practices that are environmentally responsible andsocially acceptable;

2.21 national aquaculture development processes should betransparent and should take place within the frameworkof relevant national policies, regional and internationalagreements, treaties and conventions;

2.22 in pursuing development, States, the private sector, andother legitimate stakeholders should co-operate to pro-mote the responsible growth of aquaculture;

2.23 strengthened regional and inter-regional co-operationshould increase the efficiency and effectiveness ofaquaculture development efforts; and

2.24 all parties formulating improved policies and imple-menting practices for aquaculture development shouldconsider and where appropriate, build on the FAO Codeof Conduct for Responsible Fisheries.

The following contains the major strategy elements based onthe Conference session recommendations. The detailed rec-ommendations from the sessions are given in the ConferenceReport.




7

3 STRATEGY FOR AQUACULTURE DEVELOPMENTBEYOND 2000

States are encouraged to incorporate in their strategies foraquaculture development the key elements identified duringthis Conference.

The key elements are:

3.1 INVESTING IN PEOPLE THROUGH EDUCATION ANDTRAINING

Further investments in education and training are essential tobuild the knowledge, skills and attitude of all people involvedin the sector. Human capacity development can be made morecost-effective and responsive to needs through:• using participatory approaches to curriculum develop-

ment;• improving co-operation and networking between agencies

and institutions;• multidisciplinary and problem-based approaches to

learning;• use of modern training, education and communication

tools, such as the Internet and distance learning, to pro-mote regional and inter-regional co-operation and net-working in the development of curricula, exchange of expe-riences and development of supporting knowledge basesand resource materials; and

• providing a balance of practical and theoretical approachesto train farmers and provide more skilful and innovativestaff to industry.

3.2 INVESTING IN RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT

There is a need to increase investment in aquacultureresearch, whilst making efficient use of research resources




8

and building the capacity of research institutions to be moreresponsive to development requirements through suchmechanisms as:• collaborative multidisciplinary research;• stakeholder participation in research identification and

implementation;• improving linkages between research, extension and pro-

ducers;• collaborative funding arrangements between institutions

and public and private sector organisations;• efficient communication networks;• regional and inter-regional co-operation; and• a continued effort to build the skills of researchers in-

volved in aquaculture development.

3.3 IMPROVING INFORMATION FLOW ANDCOMMUNICATION

Efficient management of the sector requires improved infor-mation flows at the national, regional and inter-regional levelswhich will avoid duplication of effort and save costs, whileencouraging consistency in areas such as education andtraining, policy-making, planning and the application of rulesand procedures.

Improved information flows will increase institutional capaci-ties for dealing with emerging issues and can be achieved by:

• establishing arrangements for sharing data and informa-tion;

• strengthening national capacity to determine data re-quirements and data selection and management;

• providing effective mechanisms for access to relevant andreliable information to all stakeholders; and




9

• making effective use of new technologies to improve infor-mation flows and management policies and practiceswithin aquaculture.

The collection and dissemination of accurate and verifiableinformation on aquaculture may help to improve its publicimage and should be given attention.

3.4 IMPROVING FOOD SECURITY AND ALLEVIATINGPOVERTY

Enhancing food security and alleviating poverty are major andcomplementary global priorities. Aquaculture has a specialrole in achieving these objectives because, firstly, fish is ahighly nutritious food that forms an essential, if not indispe n-sable, part of the diet of a large proportion of the people indeveloping countries. Secondly, while aquaculture contributesto the livelihoods of poor farming households, particularly inareas of Asia where it is a traditional farming practice, there isa huge, unfulfilled potential in most countries, as aquacultureis a relatively recent and underdeveloped sector as comparedto agriculture and animal husbandry. Aquaculture could im-prove food security, provide entry points and contribute tosustainable livelihoods for the poor through:• promoting poor-people-centred development focus in

aquaculture sector policies, wherever appropriate;• promoting systems to farm low-value fish affordable to the

poor, particularly small-scale household production in ru-ral areas where it may be the only source of fish due topoor infrastructure;

• disseminating information about the nutritional advan-tages of fish to vulnerable groups of people such as preg-nant and lactating women, and families with infants andpre-school children;

• greater use of holistic, participatory approaches to identifythe poor and assess their needs; and to develop and ex-tend aquaculture technologies appropriate to the re-sources and capabilities of poor households;




10

• recognising that the development of small-scale aquacul-ture requires initial public sector support, with more sup-port needed and for longer periods for poorer targetgroups; and

• empowering poor stakeholders to actively participate inpolicy decision-making.

3.5 IMPROVING ENVIRONMENTAL SUSTAINABILITY

There is a need to develop and adopt policies and practicesthat ensure environmental sustainability, including environ-mentally sound technologies and resource efficient farmingsystems, and integration of aquafarms into coastal area andinland watershed management plans. Improvements in envi-ronmental sustainability can be achieved through:• development, adoption and application of environmental,

economic and social sustainability assessment criteria andindicators of aquaculture development;

• development of and support to implementation of im-proved management practices and codes of good practicefor aquaculture sectors that are supported by enforceableregulations and policy;

• research and development of resource-efficient farmingsystems which make efficient use of water, land, seed andfeed inputs; exploring the potential for commercial use ofspecies feeding low in the food chain; and utilising en-hancement techniques;

• development of strategies to integrate aquaculture into thecoastal areas and inland watershed management plansand ensuring aquaculture developments are within localand regional carrying capacities;

• promotion of good practices for environmental manage-ment of aquaculture; and

• promotion of aquaculture, where appropriate, as a meansof improving environmental quality and resource use.




11

3.6 INTEGRATING AQUACULTURE INTO RURALDEVELOPMENT

With the goal of increasing the impact of aquaculture on ruraldevelopment and poverty alleviation, strategies are required toput people as the focal point for planning and development forsuch programmes and to integrate aquaculture into overallrural development programmes. In essence, this can beachieved through:• integrating aquaculture planning within overall rural de-

velopment planning, taking into account multi-sectoral de-velopments and views, and multi-sectoral co-ordinationwhich brings agencies together;

• integrating aquaculture with other rural development ef-forts to improve resource utilisation, such as integratedcoastal area management and inland watershed manage-ment;

• awareness-raising in other rural development sectors ofthe potential of aquaculture to improve livelihoods;

• using participatory approaches to involve stakeholders inpolicy-making, planning, implementation and monitoring;and

• the documentation and wide dissemination of informationon experiences and utilisation of good practices and bene-fits thereof.

3.7 INVESTING IN AQUACULTURE DEVELOPMENT

Future investment in aquaculture should be made with long-term strategies in mind to ensure sustainability. Private sectorinvestments make the biggest contribution to aquaculturedevelopment, but adequate public sector finance for capacitybuilding, institutional development and infrastructure, is in-dispensable for society to reap the full benefits of a well man-aged and efficient aquaculture sector.

Sound investment strategies should include:




12

• providing initial financial encouragement and facilitatinginvestments in aquaculture development;

• encouraging continued public investment in rural andsmall-scale aquaculture in developing countries, and inapplied research and farmer access to knowledge andcapital;

• encouraging private sector funding and investment inaquaculture development and infrastructure which willprovide the benefits of aquaculture to rural communities;

• developing mechanisms (e.g., investment screens, creditlinked to performance or adoption of best managementpractices, performance bonds) which encourage the growthof environmentally and socially responsible aquaculture,including economic, educational and other incentives forresponsible aquaculture;

• support to sponsorship of industry-driven codes of prac-tice to promote responsible aquaculture;

• fostering a greater understanding within financial institu-tions and bilateral and multilateral assistance agencies re-garding aquaculture development and its financial needs;and

• establishing credit schemes that support sustainableaquaculture, e.g., micro-credit programmes, particularlyfor small-scale development.

International development assistance is becoming increasinglydirected towards poverty alleviation and needs to adhere tobasic principles of social equity, including gender equity, envi-ronmental sustainability, technical feasibility, economic vi-ability and good governance. The level of risk is importantwhen supporting initiatives to address poverty alleviation.

To make efficient use of international donor resources, a pro-gramme approach to multi-sectoral development should beapplied under which donors can more effectively co-operateand collaborate with each other. Ultimately, this should occurwithin comprehensive planning and development frameworks.




13

There is thus a need for donors to adopt more cohesive ap-proaches and procedures.

3.8 STRENGTHENING INSTITUTIONAL SUPPORT

One of the key issues for the growth of aquaculture will be theability of countries and organisations to strengthen their in-stitutional capacity to establish and implement policy andregulatory frameworks that are both transparent and enforce-able. Incentives, especially economic incentives, deserve to begiven more attention in the planning and management ofaquaculture development.

Institutional capacity should be made more effective andstrengthened through:

• developing a clear aquaculture policy, and identification ofa lead agency with adequate organisational stature to playa strong co-ordinating role;

• developing, through a participatory approach, comprehe n-sive and enforceable laws, regulations and administrativeprocedures that encourage sustainable aquaculture andpromote trade in aquaculture products;

• providing education and training, research and extensionservices to support the development of enforceable legisla-tion, policy and regulatory frameworks, encompassingeconomic and other incentives to improve aquaculturemanagement;

• targeting not only government ministries and public sectoragencies dealing with administration, education, researchand development, but also organisations and institutionsrepresenting the private sector, NGOs, consumers andother stakeholders;

• developing mechanisms and protocols for the timely col-lection and reporting of statistics;

• sharing information on policies and legislation, rules andprocedures that encompass best practices in aquaculture;




14

• clarifying legal frameworks and policy objectives regardingaccess and user rights for farmers; and

• improving the capacity of institutions to develop and im-plement strategies targeting poor people.

3.9 APPLYING INNOVATIONS IN AQUACULTURE

The technologies for sustainable aquaculture developmentshould provide a varied and adaptable “tool box” from whichpeople can select and design the system which most effectivelymeets their needs and best fits the opportunities and con-straints of the local environment. The delivery of such tech-niques requires efficient communication networks, reliabledata on the merits and drawbacks of the various approaches,and help with the decision making process through whichpeople choose their production systems and species.

As we move into the next two decades, water and land foraquaculture will become critical issues. New opportunities foraquaculture development will also emerge through improve-ments in science and technology for aquaculture systems.

The potential areas for further consideration include:

• technologies for sustainable stock enhancement andranching programmes, and open ocean aquaculture;

• increased use of aquatic plants and animals as nutrientstripping;

• increased emphasis on integrated systems to improve en-vironmental performance; and

• emerging technologies (e.g., recirculating systems, offshorecage culture, integrated water use, artificial upwelling andecosystem food web management).




15

3.10 IMPROVING CULTURE-BASED FISHERIES ANDENHANCEMENTS

Fisheries enhancements in inland and coastal waters includeculture-based fisheries and habitat modifications in commonpool aquatic resources, which require minimal food and en-ergy inputs. These practices therefore provide important op-portunities for resource poor sections of the population tobenefit from relevant aquaculture technologies and permitefficient use of under-utilised, new or degraded resources.Culture-based fisheries in particular have considerable poten-tial for increasing fish supplies from both freshwater and ma-rine fisheries and generating income in rural inland andcoastal areas.

The full potential of enhancements and culture-based fisheriescould be achieved by:• creating conducive institutional arrangements to enable

and sustain investment in common pool resources;• providing appropriate research and development inputs;• managing environmental and other external impacts; and• promoting effective regional co-operation and information

exchange.

3.11 MANAGING AQUATIC ANIMAL HEALTH

Disease is currently an important constraint to aquaculturegrowth which has impacted both socio-economic developmentand rural livelihoods in some countries. Addressing aquaticanimal health issues has, therefore, become an urgent re-quirement for sustaining growth of aquaculture, especiallythrough pro-active programmes. Harmonising health protec-tion approaches and measures and effective co-operation atnational, regional and inter-regional levels are needed tomaximise the effectiveness of limited resources.

This can be achieved through:




16

• developing, harmonising and enforcing appropriate andeffective national, regional and inter-regional policies andregulatory frameworks on introduction and movement oflive aquatic animals and products to reduce the risks ofintroduction, establishment and spread of aquatic animalpathogens and resulting impacts on aquatic biodiversity;

• capacity building at both the institutional and farmer le v-els through education and extension;

• developing and implementing effective national diseasereporting systems, databases, and other mechanisms forcollecting and analysing aquatic animal disease informa-tion;

• improving technology through research to develop, stan-dardise and validate accurate and sensitive diagnosticmethods, safe therapeutants, and effective disease controlmethodologies, and through studies into emerging di s-eases and pathogens;

• promoting a holistic systems approach to aquatic animalhealth management, emphasising preventative measuresand maintaining a healthy culture environment; and

• developing alternate health management strategies suchas the use of disease resistant, domesticated strains ofaquatic animals to reduce impact of diseases.

Establishment of an effective international mechanism, suchas an international task force which is outcome-oriented withfocussed strategies and milestones that are independent ofvested interests, would be beneficial in reducing the lossesdue to diseases in aquaculture.

3.12 IMPROVING NUTRITION IN AQUACULTURE

Nutrition and feeding strategies play a central and essentialrole in the sustainable development of the aquaculture sector.Feed development will need to give increased emphasis onefficient use of resources and reduction of feed waste and nu-




17

trient discharge. Fishmeal reduction in diets will be importantto reduce feed costs and avoid competition with other users.

These can be achieved through:• increasing the understanding of dietary nutrient

requirements of cultured species, including their applica-tion to practical culture conditions;

• developing species-specific broodstock diets that allowcomplete domestication and maximal reproductivity andlarval quality;

• better understanding of larval nutritional requirements inorder to develop suitable compound diets, which will fur-ther reduce the need for live food;

• improving the understanding of the aquaculture farmingsystems and the potential nutrient loads and losses to theenvironment, to maximise nutrient retention efficiency;

• improving the use of agricultural and fishery by-productsand non-food grade feed materials, and basing feedingstrategies, wherever possible, on the use of renewable feedingredient sources;

• better understanding of nutrient bioavailability and inte r-actions of commonly used feed ingredients;

• better understanding of the mechanisms of nutrientmodulation of disease resistance as well as improvedstrategies to minimise toxicity of nutrients and other com-pounds of feed origin;

• promotion of “good aquaculture feed manufacturing prac-tice” and ”good on-farm feed management;” and

• ensuring that limitations in the selection and trade of rawmaterials for aquaculture feeds are based on sound,documented scientific facts.

3.13 APPLYING GENETICS TO AQUACULTURE

Genetics has an important role to play in increasing produc-tivity and sustainability in aquaculture through higher sur-vival, increased turnover rate, better use of resources, reduced




18

production costs and environmental protection. This will re-quire resources, but the benefits in both the short and longterm should justify these efforts.

There are many elements and practices of genetics that maybe considered for aquaculture. Recognising that aquaculturehas not benefited as much as terrestrial animal husbandryfrom the adoption of best practices such as selective breedingand stock improvement programmes, high priority should begiven to the application of genetics in aquaculture. The inte r-ventions include:• developing and utilising improved domestication and

broodstock management practices and efficient breedingplans to improve pr oduction in aquatic animals;

• designing and promoting strategies for equitable dissemi-nation of genetic techniques and genetically improved or-ganisms;

• encouraging public awareness and providing informationto consumers on the application of genetics;

• greater application of genetic technologies to the conserva-tion of aquatic biodiversity; and

• addressing the potential implications for aquaculture, in-cluding environmental and human health implications, ina precautionary, safe and practical way.

3.14 APPLYING BIOTECHNOLOGY

Biotechnology as a science has the potential to impact on allfood production sectors. In the future the aquaculture sectorwill confront the issue of biotechnology through:• developing and applying biotechnological innovations for

advances in nutrition, genetics, health, and environmentalmanagement;

• addressing the potential implications for aquaculture ofbiotechnology, including GMOs and other products, in aprecautionary, safe and practical way; and




19

• encouraging public awareness and providing informationto consumers on the potential applications of biotechnol-ogy.

3.15 IMPROVING FOOD QUALITY AND SAFETY

As consumer awareness increases, aquaculture producers,suppliers and processors will need to improve the quality ofproducts and enhance product safety and nutritional value.The incentives for this will be potentially higher prices, lowerinsurance rates and increased consumer demand.

This can be achieved through:• improvements in diets, feeding regimes and harvesting

strategies to enhance product quality and nutritional valueof aquaculture products;

• promoting the application and adoption of internationalfood safety standards, protocols and quality systems inline with international requirements such as the CodexAlimentarius;

• adopting international protocols for residue monitoring inaquaculture and fisheries products;

• appropriate and informative labelling of aquaculture feeds,including information on additives, growth promoters andother ingredients.

• collection, analysis and dissemination of relevant and sci-entifically sound information to allow producers and in-dustry operators to make informed decisions and ensureconsumer confidence in the food safety of aquacultureproducts;

• application of appropriate safety assessments based onrisk analysis and the precautionary approach prior tomarket approval, including products from modern bi o-technology; and

• increasing consumer confidence in aquaculture productsby ensuring that industry takes responsibility for the pro-duction and distribution of safe products, utilising sys-




20

tems that allow traceability of product ingredients, in-cluding information on packaging, processing and produc-tion conditions.

3.16 PROMOTING MARKET DEVELOPMENT AND TRADE

A focus on market development and trade will increase de-mand, add value and increase returns for aquaculture prod-ucts. This will require developing marketing and promotionalstrategies for aquaculture products and understanding con-sumer requirements and changing market demands.

These goals can be achieved through:• reducing trade barriers for aquatic products;• assisting producers, processors and manufacturers in

identifying markets for aquaculture inputs, products andtechnology;

• providing data for, and investing in, information-technology based market-information systems that areeasily accessed by producers and processors;

• researching changing consumption patterns, market seg-mentation trends and the emergence of new markets andproducts; and

• ensuring transparency in the chain of custody (“chaintraceability”) of aquatic products and encouraging the pro-vision of relevant information to consumers through prod-uct labelling (e.g., nutritional values, environmentalfriendliness).

3.17 SUPPORTING STRONG REGIONAL AND INTER-REGIONAL CO-OPERATION

Over the years, regional and inter-regional co-operation hasbrought considerable benefits to aquaculture developmentthrough dissemination of knowledge and expertise. In an eraof globalisation, further strengthening of this co-operation atall levels will ensure increased benefits for sectoral develop-ment and sustainability.




21

This could be achieved through:• supporting and strengthening existing regional organisa-

tions;• improving inter-regional collaboration and networking

between existing regional organisations to ensure synergy;• encouraging the formation and development of regional

organisations for aquaculture development in regionswhere they are lacking; and

• facilitating in-country support for the establishment andoperation of these organisations.

The Conference noted there are issues relevant to aquaculturedevelopment that require a strong global focus to be ad-dressed and that this need might best be achieved by estab-lishing a global intergovernmental forum within an appropri-ate existing international organisation, having sustainableaquaculture development as its primary focus, and with amandate for discussion, decision and agreement on technicaland policy matters.




22

4. IMPLEMENTATION

4.1 The Conference encourages States, the private sectorand other concerned organisations to implement Strate-gies for Development of Aquaculture Beyond 2000;

4.2 The aquaculture sector has become considerably morediverse since the Kyoto Conference and has developed abroad range of stakeholders. This diversity provides con-siderable opportunity for productive co-operation.

4.3 The Conference recognises that the primary responsibili-ties for development and implementation of these strate-gies rest with States and their private sectors. TheConference recommends that States develop strategiesthrough encouraging private sector development incor-porating the key elements identified above.

4.4 The Conference further affirms that co-operative mecha-nisms among countries provide an excellent opportunityto co-ordinate and support the development of aquacul-ture, through sharing of experiences, technical support,and allocation of responsibilities for the varied research,education and information exchange. The fostering of co-operation among developing countries deserves specialattention and support.

4.5 Furthermore, the Conference recommends that effectiveuse of existing regional and inter-regional mechanismsbe made, and that decision-makers seek to promote syn-ergy and co-operation between existing organisations.Where effective regional inter-governmental organisa-tions to promote co-operation in aquaculture develop-ment do not exist, such as in Africa and Latin America,building of such mechanisms, and sharing experienceswith the existing regional networks, is recommended.

4.6 The Conference notes that there are considerable op-portunities for enhanced regional and inter-regional co-operation among different partners including govern-ments, non-governmental organisations, farmers organi-




23

sations, regional and international organisations, devel-opment agencies, donors and lending agencies with acommon interest in development through aquaculture.

4.7 In this regard, the Conference strongly recommends thedevelopment of an effective programme of regional andinter-regional co-operation to assist in implementation ofthe Strategies for Aquaculture Development Beyond2000.

The Declaration and Strategy was drafted by a Technical DraftingCommittee (TDC), taking into account the recommendations of allconference sessions, and the views and suggestions expressed bythe participants during and after the Conference. The composition ofthe TDC is: Glenn Hurry and Chen Foo Yan (Co-Chairs), Uwe Barg,Pedro Bueno, Jorge Calderon, Jason Clay, Sena De Silva, MaitreeDuangsawasdi, Dilip Kumar, Le Thanh Luu, Modadugu V. Gupta,Joaquin Orrantia, Michael Phillips, Rolando Platon, Vincent Sa-gua, Sevaly Sen, Patrick Sorgeloos, Rohana Subasinghe, RolfWillmann, and Wu Chao Lin.

Documents

Aquaculture Development Beyond 2000: The Bangkok ...tion of the United Nations, Viale delle Terme di Caracalla, 00100 Rome, Italy. NACA/FAO – April 2000 Aquaculture Development Beyond