Cecilia Valenza’s Post

Aquatic Life Institute is thrilled to announce the launch of the 3rd Aquaculture Certification Schemes Benchmark.📊 This annual report evaluates the welfare standards of 8 global seafood certifiers and, for the first time, an international ratings agency—Monterey Bay Aquarium’s Seafood Watch program. We've also expanded this year's assessment to include the Soil Association Organic Standards for Great Britain Aquaculture. Key findings: 🦐 6 out of 9 prohibit eyestalk ablation in shrimp farming 🐟 5 out of 9 perform well in stocking density and space requirements 🐙 On this World Octopus Day, we're thrilled to recognize 2 additional certifiers taking a stance against octopus farming. We now have commitments from the Aquaculture Stewardship Council (ASC), Soil Association, Friend of the Sea, and RSPCA Assured­. The eight global seafood certification schemes and one international ratings agency evaluated in this report collectively oversee the welfare of billions of aquatic animals each year. This underscores the significant impact that these bodies have, and highlights the importance of benchmark evaluations like this one in driving improved welfare standards and fostering a more compassionate and sustainable future. Explore the findings of this year's evaluation: https://buff.ly/3zN2dKe

G20 backs FAO’s Blue Transformation for sustainable fisheries and aquaculture, highlights family farming At the G20 Ministerial Meeting on Agriculture, QU Dongyu commended the Brazilian Presidency for bringing family farming and fisheries and aquaculture to the discussions. Chapada dos Guimarães, Brazil -The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) welcomed the inclusion of fisheries and aquaculture and family farming in this year’s G20 priorities, emphasizing their essential role in global nutrition and livelihoods. Speaking at the G20 Agriculture Ministers’ Meeting in Mato Grosso, Brazil, FAO Director-General QU Dongyu stressed the need for sustainable growth in the fisheries and aquaculture sectors to meet rising global food demand and address nutritional deficiencies, particularly in developing countries. “The FAO Blue Transformation strategy aims to ensure aquatic food systems continue feeding the world’s growing population,” he said. The G20 Agriculture Working Group Ministerial Declaration, agreed upon this week, officially recognized FAO’s Blue Transformation Roadmap 2022-2030 as a key framework for achieving long-term sustainability in the fisheries and aquaculture sectors. The declaration also highlighted important FAO instruments, such as the Guidelines for Sustainable Aquaculture, the Guidelines for Sustainable Small-Scale Fisheries, and the Agreement on Port State Measures. Aquatic foods currently provide more than 3.3 billion people with at least 20 percent of their average per capita animal protein intake, along with critical bioavailable micronutrients. Aquaculture is also the world’s fastest-growing food production sector. Aquatic foods support around 600 million livelihoods, and the total first stale value of the sector was a record $472 billion in 2022. https://lnkd.in/dss-iMRi #aquaculture #fishfarming #foodsecurity

For the first time, aquaculture now accounts for more fish production than fishing operations, according to a new FAO report. It’s a reminder that we’re already taking the strides necessary to create a new and more resilient global #foodsecurity paradigm. #Aquaculture is part of balancing that equation, and #USSoy is proving to be just as nutritious, versatile, and sustainable an ingredient in aquaculture feed as it is in other animal feed. https://lnkd.in/eBZzPXNY

The Newfoundland and Labrador Aquaculture Industry Association (NAIA) has recently voiced strong criticism against what it terms "biased science" from federal researchers at the Department of Fisheries and Oceans (DFO). The NAIA contends that the research undermines the efforts and credibility of local salmon farmers by presenting a skewed perspective on the environmental impacts of salmon farming. Key Points of Contention: 1. Selective Data and Methodology: The NAIA claims that the DFO researchers used selective data and flawed methodologies in their studies leading to conclusions that do not accurately reflect the practices and improvements made by the local industry. NAIA stresses that the local salmon farming industry adheres to rigorous environmental standards and employs sustainable practices to minimize ecological impact. 2. Industry Commitment to Sustainability: Newfoundland salmon farmers highlight their ongoing commitment to sustainability and environmental stewardship. This includes investments in advanced technologies, regular monitoring, and compliance with stringent regulatory frameworks. The industry also emphasizes its role in supporting local economies, creating jobs, and contributing to food security. 3. Call for Collaboration: The NAIA is calling for a more collaborative approach between the industry and federal researchers. They argue that cooperative efforts would lead to more balanced and constructive outcomes, benefiting both the environment and the industry. Transparency and open communication are deemed essential for fostering trust and mutual understanding between stakeholders. Implications for the Industry: The dispute underscores the broader challenges faced by the aquaculture industry, particularly in balancing environmental concerns with economic and social objectives. It also highlights the importance of robust, impartial scientific research that considers multiple perspectives and incorporates industry insights. Moving Forward: To address these issues, the NAIA suggests several steps: 🔹 Establishing joint research initiatives that involve both federal researchers and industry representatives. 🔹 Enhancing transparency in data collection and analysis processes. 🔹 Promoting continuous improvement in farming practices through shared knowledge and innovation. Conclusion: The farmed salmon debate reflects a critical need for a balanced approach to environmental assessment in aquaculture. By fostering collaboration and leveraging the expertise of all stakeholders, the industry can continue to progress towards sustainable and responsible fish farming practices. For more detailed insights into this issue, visit the full article on Fish Farming Expert: https://lnkd.in/gsAEfF7N #Aquaculture #Sustainability #NewfoundlandSalmon

Research review from the #USA: "Pelagic fish spared from ocean catch by integrating Black Soldier Fly Larvae (BSFL) in U.S. aquaculture production" "At the highest level of dietary BSFL substitution for fish meal and/or fish oil that did not sacrifice performance of the three aquaculture species, 40.843 MT of pelagic fish could be spared from ocean catch in the U.S. per year. Therefore, integrating BSFL in the diets of aquaculture species could reduce the demand for pelagic fish sourced from ocean catch and positively contribute to the sustainability of aquaculture production." Full text: https://lnkd.in/dxg258uC #insects #food #insectfarming #feed #insectos #insectes #farming #moscasoldadonegro #insecten #insectfarm #foodinnovation #foodindustry #blacksoldierfly #feedindustry #feedingredients #sustainability #circulareconomy #circulaireeconomie #salmonfarming #fishfeed #aquafeed #aquaculture #fishfarm #fishfarming #alternativeproteins

A study, published in Reviews in Aquaculture journal, has identified that the effects of #sealice from salmon farms on wild #Atlanticsalmon have been overestimated. The study reviewed the Norwegian regulatory management of the #salmonfarming sector and concluded that sea lice infections on farms are not associated with a measurable impact on wild salmon. #research #aquaculture

I must admit that this data and analysis was something that I had no idea about before I read it early this morning. Increasingly, the contents of a seafood tower or “catch of the day” is more likely to have been farmed rather than caught in the wild. That’s the latest conclusion from The State of World Fisheries and Aquaculture, an annual report published earlier this month by the UN’s Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), which revealed that — for the first time in history — the majority of the world’s seafood came from fish farming rather than wild catching in 2022. The practice of aquaculture — rearing fish and sea plants in controlled ponds, pens, and pools — produced more than 94 million metric tons of seafood in 2022 and is being hailed by some as a means of sustaining seafood production in the face of depleting wild fish stocks. The 2022 tally was double the production figure from 2006 and reflects decades of investment and innovation in the aquaculture industry, which 30 years ago accounted for just 15% of total seafood. Selected text and graphic are © Visual Capitalist, 2024. All Rights Reserved, used with permission. © Mark S. Mandula, CLO BCR Learning, 2024. All Rights Reserved.

Potential of Marine Fish Aquaculture in the United States: A Market Analysis https://lnkd.in/eyzUdS4X

The United States has released its first updated National Aquaculture Development Plan since 1983, reinforcing commitments to food security, climate resilience, and species conservation. Aquaculture is highlighted as a climate-smart, sustainable way to produce healthy food while restoring fisheries and aiding over 70 endangered species, such as Pacific Salmon and white abalone. The plan, developed by the National Science and Technology Council's Subcommittee on Aquaculture, includes three strategic plans: enhancing regulatory efficiency, advancing aquaculture research, and promoting economic development. Together, these documents provide a comprehensive framework to support public health, resilient communities, economic growth, and environmental sustainability through responsible aquaculture practices. Click below to read more. #trout #americasfish #ustroutfarmers #allabouttrout #eatfish #eattrout #troutfishing #troutfinder #ustfa #aquaculture #eatmorefish #steelhead #troutfarming #loveyourfarmer #rainbowtrout #feedthenation #agriculture #farmfresh #hugafarmer #sustainable #sustainability #climatesmart #chef #fishing #restaurant #restaurants #takemefishing #usaquaculture

Indonesia and China's Guangdong province are exploring cooperation in fish farming. This partnership aims to leverage advanced technology and expertise from Guangdong to boost Indonesia's aquaculture industry. The collaboration could lead to increased fish production and more sustainable practices, benefiting both economies and local communities. How do you think this international partnership could transform the aquaculture industry and contribute to sustainable food production? #FishFarming #SustainableDevelopment #InternationalCooperation #Indonesia #China #BlueEconomy #TunaFarming #WCA