COFI Subcommittee on Aquaculture: Sector has great potential to feed the planet’s growing population but must be developed sustainably, Director-General says

Rome - Aquaculture is the world’s fastest-growing food production sector with further potential to help feed the planet’s growing population, including in some of the most food-insecure regions. However, it must be developed in a sustainable, environmentally-friendly way, strengthening resilience to the climate and biodiversity loss crises, and promoting social and economic benefits.

That was the message from FAO Director-General QU Dongyu, as he opened the 13th Session of the Sub-Committee on Aquaculture (COFI:AQ) under the Committee on Fisheries (COFI), setting out a comprehensive vision for balancing economic growth, environmental protection and social equity under the Blue Transformation framework.

Aquaculture “plays a crucial role and holds great potential in providing food, income and livelihoods for the world’s growing population, and improving nutritional outcomes, particularly in regions where hunger and poverty remain persistent,” Qu said, further noting that this also included regions such as Europe.

Working together

The Director-General underlined the importance of working together to ensure that aquaculture develops sustainably, in a way that respects our environment, supports local communities, and strengthens resilience to global challenges such as the climate crisis and biodiversity loss.

In 2024, COFI adopted the Guidelines for Sustainable Aquaculture – the first global agreement, developed through an inclusive and collaborative process, to guide aquaculture development and is pinned on sustainability, Qu noted.

It provides science- and knowledge-based guidance for countries and partners to promote increased production that is also equitable, responsible, and environmentally sound, leveraging technology and innovation, as well as providing a framework to guide policies, investments, and partnerships in the years ahead.

This year, FAO and the Global Environmental Facility are collaborating in a  Food Systems Integrated Programme – which encompasses 10 country projects that include aquaculture - in support of the transformation of global agrifood systems to be more efficient, more inclusive, more resilient and more sustainable.

The flagship FAO Initiatives such as the Hand-in-Hand and One-Country One Priority Product, as well as the South-South and Triangular Cooperation programme and the One Health approach, provide important platforms to further promote sustainable aquaculture through science-based solutions.

Blue Transformation vision

The Director-General noted that “developing sustainable aquaculture under the Blue Economy requires balancing economic growth, environmental protection and social equity.”

FAO’s Blue Transformation outlines a vision to expand aquatic food systems and increase their contribution to ending hunger and poverty, and includes:

ONE: Adopt environmentally friendly practices, such as integrated multi-trophic aquaculture, recirculating aquaculture systems, and developing sustainable feed alternatives, to reduce pressure on fishmeal production.

TWO: Ensure ecosystem protection and biodiversity through effective site selection, and use spatial planning tools (GIS), implement biosecurity measures and pairing of aquaculture development with habitat restoration.

THREE: Promote social and economic benefits, such as community-based  and eco-labeling procedures, adoption of standards, and promotion of women and youth Inclusion.

FOUR: Leverage technology and innovation, such as AI and the Internet of Things (IoT), monitoring, alternative energy sources, and genetic Improvement to develop disease-resistant and fast-growing strains through selective breeding.

FIVE: Strengthen governance and policies, and enforce regulations, to implement science-based policies on stocking density, effluent control, and antibiotic use.

SIX: Climate resilience strategies, such as adaptation to rising temperatures, shifting to heat-tolerant species and reducing carbon emissions.

Subcommittee pivotal

The Sub-Committee on Aquaculture plays a pivotal role in facilitating and convening discussions, consultations and deliberations on the development of sustainable aquaculture.

During this week’s Thirteenth Session, the Sub-Committee will update and discuss global trends in aquaculture development and the Code of Conduct for Responsible Fisheries (CCRF) aquaculture questionnaire, which has recently been updated to reflect the new FAO Guidelines for Sustainable Aquaculture (GSA).

Discussions will also cover challenges and opportunities in the implementation of the GSA, which were adopted by the FAO Committee on Fisheries (COFI) in July 2024 and subsequently endorsed by the FAO Council and recognized as a priority in the context of sustainable agrifood systems in declarations by the G20 and G7 agriculture ministers later the same year.

There are also two thematic focuses on the agenda: climate change adaptation and resilience in aquaculture, and aquaculture and the circular economy. Both areas are emerging issues and require Members to contribute on and discuss good practices and strategic planning and management.