By Prof Alexandra McManus, Director, Centre of Excellence for Science, Seafood & Health,
Dr Wendy Hunt, Post Doctoral Scientist and Deputy Director – Centre of Excellence for Science Seafood and Health, Curtin University
The role of human activity on marine resources is a long standing subject of debate amongst scientific communities. Preferences for high value fish have resulted in fishing down the food web and have subsequently influenced biodiversity. It is estimated that 30% of fish stocks yield less than 10% of their previous potential. In fact, only 25% of commercial stocks are considered to be in a healthy or reasonably healthy state.
Globally however, fish provides an estimated 20% of daily protein requirements for over one third of the world’s population. Further, it is thought that 8% of the world’s population is dependent on fisheries and aquaculture for their livelihood. Developing countries have a relatively greater reliance on fish and seafood for food security; recent data indicates that the proportion of dietary protein derived from fish is relatively greater than in developed countries and the proportion of people dependant on fisheries and aquaculture for employment is also higher.
Current global predictions estimate that food supply will need to treble by 2050 to meet the demands of a population of 9.1 billion. The largest increases in population are expected in less affluent regions giving rise to concerns about the issues of food security, sustainability and equity. This presentation will address the role of fish and seafood in future global food security.
Prof Alexandra McManus, Dr Wendy Hunt
Taking Care of Business: Sustainable Transformation Conference
Radisson Resort, Gold Coast – May 21 & 22, 2012
By Prof Alexandra McManus, Director, Centre of Excellence for Science, Seafood & Health, Dr Wendy Hunt, Post Doctoral Scientist and Deputy Director – Centre of Excellence for Science Seafood and Health, Curtin University
The role of human activity on marine resources is a long standing subject of debate amongst scientific communities. Preferences for high value fish have resulted in fishing down the food web and have subsequently influenced biodiversity. It is estimated that 30% of fish stocks yield less than 10% of their previous potential. In fact, only 25% of commercial stocks are considered to be in a healthy or reasonably healthy state.
Globally however, fish provides an estimated 20% of daily protein requirements for over one third of the world’s population. Further, it is thought that 8% of the world’s population is dependent on fisheries and aquaculture for their livelihood. Developing countries have a relatively greater reliance on fish and seafood for food security; recent data indicates that the proportion of dietary protein derived from fish is relatively greater than in developed countries and the proportion of people dependant on fisheries and aquaculture for employment is also higher.
Current global predictions estimate that food supply will need to treble by 2050 to meet the demands of a population of 9.1 billion. The largest increases in population are expected in less affluent regions giving rise to concerns about the issues of food security, sustainability and equity. This presentation will address the role of fish and seafood in future global food security.
Prof Alexandra McManus, Dr Wendy Hunt
Taking Care of Business: Sustainable Transformation Conference
Radisson Resort, Gold Coast – May 21 & 22, 2012
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