Integrated agri-aquaculture in desert and arid lands-Learning from case studies from Algeria, Egypt and Oman

This publication reflects the outcomes of a study conducted by the FAO Regional Water Scarcity Initiative in the Near East and North Africa with the aim of building broad partnerships to support greater understanding in implementation and use of non-conventional water resource in integrated agriculture-aquaculture (IAA) systems.

PDF: http://www.fao.org/3/ca9279en/ca9279en.pdf

The impact of COVID-19 on fisheries and aquaculture – A global assessment from the perspective of regional fishery bodies: Initial assessment, May 2020

This assessment of the impact of COVID-19 on the work of regional fisheries management organizations (RFMOs) and regional fisheries advisory bodies (RFABs) was prepared following an initiative by the FAO Fishing Operations and Technology Branch (FIAO) in collaboration with the Regional Fishery Body Secretariats’ Network (RSN). The objective is to provide a timely global overview and scale of the impacts from the perspective of the secretariats of RFMOs and RFABs, as well as collate suggestions for interventions that may inform and guide the development of mitigation measures. While this paper provides an initial assessment of the current situation, the situation is constantly evolving and therefore follow-up assessments both at regional and country level will be required to fully understand the impact that COVID-19 has had on global fisheries and aquaculture. This assessment would not have been possible without the cooperation and participation of the RFMO and RFAB secretariats.

PDF: http://www.fao.org/3/ca9279en/ca9279en.pdf

Proceedings of the International Symposium on Fisheries Sustainability

The Symposium was held to support the development of a new vision for more sustainable and socially just fisheries, and more resilient to the challenges of the twenty-first century. Many of you were directly involved and/or participated in this successful event, and I use this opportunity to once again thank you all for your contributions. The preparation of the proceedings benefitted from the comments from the exceptionally diverse group of participants from different sectors and regions around the world. The key messages and recommended actions that emerged from the symposium will help improve the sustainability of capture fisheries and the contribution of the sector to the Sustainable Development Goals.

PDF: http://www.fao.org/3/ca8302en/CA8302EN.pdf

Blockchain application in seafood value chains is out

Innovation through information and communication technologies is a key enabler in transforming food systems and holds great potential to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals. Recent developments, such as mobile technologies, smart networks, drones, remote-sensing, distributed computing, as well as disruptive technologies, such as blockchain, the Internet of things and artificial intelligence, are serving as the premise for a “digital revolution” whereby management of resources can potentially be highly optimized, intelligent and anticipatory. This publication establishes chain traceability as the substrate over which digital solutions need to operate. It provides a comprehensive introduction to blockchain, and covers smart contracts, explores how they relate to blockchain with an example of their use in seafood value chains, and then examines major development and operational considerations for blockchain applications. The publication also analyses the seafood supply chain with considerations on flag, coastal, port, processing and market States.

It identifies general control elements (critical tracking events and corresponding key data elements) that form the basis for traceability monitoring and acquisition, and summarizes suitability for blockchain. It also investigates considerations for legality, transparency, species fraud and food safety.

PDF: http://www.fao.org/3/ca8302en/CA8302EN.pdf

FAO Aquaculture Newsletter (FAN) 61 is out

Aquaculture is high on the global food system agenda,” proclaims the editorial of the sixty-first edition of FAO’s Aquaculture Newsletter. Issued twice a year as an online and printed newsletter, FAN presents articles and views from the aquaculture programme from the perspectives of both headquarters and the field programme.

In addition to the regular sections from the aquaculture statistician and fish health specialist, this issue showcases FAO’s work around the world, presenting activities in many countries and (sub-) regions, including the Maghreb, the United States of America, the Balkan and Caucasus countries, Pakistan, and Southern Africa. A story of how youth catfish farmers are connecting through social media, and another on how agroecological approaches can be used in intensive shrimp farming, are among the diverse subjects in this issue. Five thematic articles, rich in scope, cover topics including aquaculture in desert and arid lands, integrated rice-fish systems, new developments in alternative feed ingredients, dimensions of policy and governance improvements, and tracking of farmed types of aquatic genetic resources. The three last sections focus on new staff profiles in the FAO Aquaculture Branch, new FAO aquaculture publications and a calendar of events. Our former colleague Michael Vinke is remembered in this issue.

Aquaculture is indeed high on the docket for several international fora and events, including the UN Ocean Conference and the 25th anniversary of the Code of Conduct for Responsible Fisheries, which highlights aquaculture’s role in the global food system, and underlines its relevance to humanity’s collective goals for sustainable development. To that end, this edition of FAN describes the future Global Conference on Aquaculture Millennium +20, to be held in Shanghai, China, which will review status, trends and emerging issues in aquaculture development, identify opportunities and challenges in aquaculture and its contributions to sustainable development, and build upon the partnerships needed for advancing aquaculture as a global, sustainable and competitive food production sector.

PDF: http://www.fao.org/3/ca8302en/CA8302EN.pdf

Information: A. Stankus