The Contribution of Fisheries and Aquaculture to Food Security

The European Bureau for Conservation and Development (EBCD) organized a conference to highlight how aquatic foods contribute to achieving climate objectives and ensuring food security while also making food systems more sustainable and resilient. 

Manuel Barange, Assistant Director-General and Director of FAO’s Fisheries and Aquaculture Division was invited to give a keynote presentation underlining the critical role of aquatic foods in combating hunger and malnutrition. 

Barange emphasized that aquatic food systems, particularly those driven by aquaculture, are central to increasing food production while ensuring sustainability. He stressed that aquatic foods are a major source of high-quality proteins and essential nutrients and that their production aligns closely with sustainability goals, boasting lower environmental impacts compared to traditional animal agriculture. 

He also alluded to FAO's Blue Transformation initiative, a framework aimed at fostering more sustainable, productive, and equitable aquatic food systems, seeking to balance increased production with environmental stewardship and social equity, and ensuring long-term resilience. 

Barange cited data from recent studies showing that scientifically assessed and intensively managed fish stocks have increased in abundance or reached target levels. This provides evidence that well-managed aquatic systems can sustain production without depleting resources, offering a scalable solution to global food insecurity. 

Beyond addressing undernourishment, Barange highlighted the broader economic and social benefits of a robust aquatic food sector. Investments in aquaculture and sustainable fisheries can drive economic growth, particularly in coastal communities, and contribute to the achievement of global sustainable development goals. 

Delilah Al Khudairy, Director for Maritime Policy and Blue Economy in the European Commission's Directorate-General for Maritime Affairs and Fisheries (DG MARE) highlighted the EU’s strategic guidelines for sustainable aquaculture, aiming to create economic lifelines for coastal communities while supporting developing nations in building blue food systems. 

Francisco Millán Mon and André Rodrigues, Members of the European Parliament, addressed the dual challenges of enhancing aquaculture and reforming the Common Fisheries Policy (CFP). They called for investments in sustainable practices and simplified regulations to boost the sector's contribution to food security. 

In 2024, FAO finalized the new guidelines for sustainable aquaculture, which are already in the early stages of implementation, with formal approval expected next year. These guidelines aim to standardize practices that promote ecological balance while meeting growing global demands.  

In the afternoon of the same day, Barange briefed the Working Party on Fisheries Policy of the Council of the EU, at the invitation of the Hungarian Presidency. During his presentation, FAO's Assistant Director-General provided an overview of The State of World Fisheries and Aquaculture 2024 launched in July by FAO.  

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