Thank you for allowing me to comment on the Selection and Prioritization of CFS activities for the Biennium 2016-2017.
The role that seafood plays in food security is often downplayed. Yet, animal protein is important because it is the source of the essential amino acid lysine, which plant protein cannot supply, and in addition seafood provides several micronutrients not available from other sources . Animal protein and in particular seafood must continue to be available to satisfy these nutritional needs. According to the FAO's State of the World Fisheries and Agriculture (SOFIA) 2014, fish now accounts for almost 17 percent of the global population’s intake of animal protein.
When compared to land-based animal protein production, there are several forms of fishing and aquaculture that have a negligible or low impact on the environment. I suggest that the CFS examines the environmental impact of seafood production in the context of overall animal protein production to identify how seafood production can be increased with a minimum impact on the environment. As there are several institutions that already are tackling the management of wild fisheries, CFS might wish to focus on aquaculture. Once these sustainable sources have been identified, the HSE should focus on:
Minimising barriers to the development of aquaculture worldwide;
Encouraging studies into best practice in aquaculture in relation to environmental impact and sustainability;
Dear Sir,
Thank you for allowing me to comment on the Selection and Prioritization of CFS activities for the Biennium 2016-2017.
The role that seafood plays in food security is often downplayed. Yet, animal protein is important because it is the source of the essential amino acid lysine, which plant protein cannot supply, and in addition seafood provides several micronutrients not available from other sources . Animal protein and in particular seafood must continue to be available to satisfy these nutritional needs. According to the FAO's State of the World Fisheries and Agriculture (SOFIA) 2014, fish now accounts for almost 17 percent of the global population’s intake of animal protein.
When compared to land-based animal protein production, there are several forms of fishing and aquaculture that have a negligible or low impact on the environment. I suggest that the CFS examines the environmental impact of seafood production in the context of overall animal protein production to identify how seafood production can be increased with a minimum impact on the environment. As there are several institutions that already are tackling the management of wild fisheries, CFS might wish to focus on aquaculture. Once these sustainable sources have been identified, the HSE should focus on:
Minimising barriers to the development of aquaculture worldwide;
Encouraging studies into best practice in aquaculture in relation to environmental impact and sustainability;
Examining barriers to trade in seafood products.
Regards,
Ivan Bartolo
President
Seafood Importers and Processors Alliance
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