Fisheries and aquaculture still face sustainability challenges, but as trade in the sector continues to grow, its contribution to food security and the safeguarding of livelihoods remains critical, Qu Dongyu, Director-General of the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), said on Tuesday.
He made the remarks at a virtual meeting of the 18th Session of the Committee on Fisheries (COFI) Sub-Committee on Fish Trade, the world’s primary forum for fisheries and aquaculture trade discussions and decisions. More than 300 delegates registered from 65 Members and Observers for the meeting of this Sub-Committee.
Fisheries and aquaculture products are among the most internationally traded food commodities, involving more than 225 countries and territories, and are worth some US$150 billion a year.
“The pandemic’s effects on production, supply systems and markets caused significant disruptions and changes in the fisheries and aquaculture sector. Now, the sector’s resilience is being tested again as the effects of the war in Ukraine, as well as other conflicts around the world, are adding to the complexity of global operations of fisheries and aquaculture products,” the FAO Director-General told the meeting.
“Supply shortages for traditional fish species, rising transportation and fuel costs, and an overall price increase have resulted in changed consumer behavior and demand adjustments, which have affected how fisheries and aquaculture products are produced and traded,” he added.