Enabling and driving aquaculture growth in New Zealand through innovation

摘要

Aquaculture is currently the world's fastest growing food sector, and is well placed to meet the growing demands for aquatic food. Around 50% of the global fish and seaweed food supply is cultivated, amounting to about 68 million tonnes and worth US$106 billion in 2008 (Bostock et al. 2010). Based on population growth estimates, it is anticipated that an additional 40 million tonnes of aquatic food will be required by 2030 (FAO 2006). Aquaculture production is developing, expanding and intensifying rapidly throughout the world with a strong focus on new species and improvement of systems and practices. The importance of food security is increasing, both from a food safety perspective and in terms of supply volume consistency. Rapid growth in the global middle class has increased demand for high quality aquatic food products. International markets clearly show strong preference towards countries with reliable and high quality track records, and targeted efforts to reduce environmental impacts and increase sustainability. New Zealand is well placed in this endeavour, with a reputation for eco-friendly production practices and strict quality assurance programmes, especially for shellfish.