THE STATE OF WORLD FISHERIES AND AQUACULTURE (SOFIA) 2010 Issued January 2011

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1 15 February 2011 THE STATE OF WORLD FISHERIES AND AQUACULTURE (SOFIA) 2010 Issued January 2011 Headline news Fish Consumption Reaches All-time High - The contribution of fish to global diets has reached a record of almost 17 kg per person on average, supplying over three billion people with at least 15 per cent of their average animal protein intake. This increase is due mainly to the ever-growing production of aquaculture which is set to overtake capture fisheries as a source of food fish. Status of global fish stocks has not improved - The overall percentage of overexploited, depleted or recovering fish stocks in the world's oceans has not dropped and is estimated to be slightly higher than in About 32 per cent of world fish stocks are estimated to be overexploited, depleted or recovering and need to be urgently rebuilt. On the other end of the scale, 15 per cent of the stock groups monitored by FAO were estimated to be underexploited (three percent) or moderately exploited (12 per cent) and therefore able to produce more than their current catches. Importance of the sector - Overall, fisheries and aquaculture support the livelihoods of an estimated 540 million people, or eight per cent of the world population. People have never eaten as much fish and more people than ever are employed in or depend on the sector. Fish products continue to be the most-traded of food commodities, worth a record $102 billion in 2008, up nine per cent from Tighter controls in place - The report examines the growing legal efforts to enforce tighter controls on the fisheries sector, for example, through trade measures and against illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing. The trade measures are meant to block entry of such fish and fish products from international trade in an effort to better manage the entire fisheries sector and reduce levels of overexploitation. A recent study estimates the cost of illegal and unreported fishing alone at $ billion per year. The report also notes increasing debate about a proposed global record of fishing vessels, which ideally would assign a unique vessel identifier to each vessel that would remain constant regardless of ownership or flag changes over time. Such transparency would make it easier to police vessels engaged in illegal fishing activities. Key themes (taken verbatim from SOFIA report with equivalent figures from 2008 report in red): 1. Aquaculture and fish utilisation FAO conclusion: Aquaculture continues to be the fastest-growing animal food producing sector and to outpace population growth, with per capita supply from aquaculture increasing from 0.7 kg in 1970 to 7.8 kg in 2008, an average annual growth rate of 6.6%...It is set to overtake capture fisheries as a source of food fish.growth rates for aquaculture production are

2 slowing With capture fisheries production stagnating, major increases in fish food production are forecast to come from aquaculture. Taking into account the population forecast, an additional 27 million tonnes of production will be needed to maintain the present level of per capita consumption in Fish utilisation messages/facts Capture fisheries and aquaculture supplied the world with about 142 (143.6) million tonnes of fish in (89.5 (92) mt capture fisheries, 52.5 (51.7) mt aquaculture). Of this 115 mt was used as human food, providing an estimated apparent per capita supply of about 17 kg, which is an all time high. In 2009, as a consequence of uncertain economic conditions, demand remained rather sluggish and per capita consumption is expected to have remained stable. Aquaculture accounted for 46% of total food fish supply, a slightly lower proportion that reported in 2008 owing to a major downward revision of aquaculture and capture fishery production statistics by China. Globally fish provides more than 1.5 (1.5) billion people with almost 20% (20%) of their average per capita intake of animal protein. Overall fish provided more than 3.0 (2.9) billion people with at least 15% (15%) of their per capita animal protein intake. In 2008, 115 mt or 81% (110 mt or 77%) of world fish production was used for direct human consumption, while the rest 27 mt (33 mt or 23%) was used for non-food products, such as fishmeal and fish oil (20.8 mt), culture, bait, and pharmaceutical uses, as well as for direct feeding in aquaculture and for fur animals (6.4mt). Fisheries and aquaculture, directly or indirectly, play an essential role in the livelihoods of millions of people around the world. In 2008, an estimated 44.9 (43.5) million people were directly engaged, part time or full time, in primary production of fish either in capture from the wild or in aquaculture. World total (marine and inland) capture production for the period was very steady at about 89.8 mt (92 mt). The top ten producer countries in 2008 were China, Peru, Indonesia, USA, Japan, India, Chile, Russian Fed, Philippines and Myanmar. The top ten producer countries in 2006 were China, Peru, USA, Indonesia, Japan, Chile, India, Russian Fed, Thailand and the Philippines. Processed fish for human consumption increased from 46.7 mt in 1998 to 58.6 mt in In % (56.5mt) of total world fish production was marketed as fresh, while 41.2% (58.6 mt) of fish was processed (frozen, cured or otherwise prepared for direct human consumption). Freezing (49.8%) (50%) represents the main method of processing fish for human consumption. Aquaculture messages/facts The reported global production of food fish from aquaculture, including fin fishes, crustaceans, molluscs and other aquatic animals for human consumption, reached 52.5 mt (51.7) in The contribution of aquaculture to the total production of capture fisheries and aquaculture continued to grow, rising from 34.5% in 2006 to 36.9% in In the period , the production of food fish from aquaculture increased at an average annual rate of 8.3 percent, while the world population grew at an average of 1.6 percent per year. The combined result of development in aquaculture worldwide and the expansion in global population is that the average annual per capita supply of food fish 2

3 from aquaculture for human consumption has increased by ten times, from 0.7 kg in 1970 to 7.8 kg in 2008, at an average rate of 6.6 percent per year. Globally aquaculture accounted for 45.7% (42.6%) of the world s fish food production for human consumption in In China, 80.2% (90%) of fish food consumed was derived from aquaculture. Aquaculture production supplied the rest of the world with 26.7% (24%) of its food fish, up from 4.8% in In the last decade, the surging demand for fish and fishery products has mainly been met by aquaculture production, as capture fisheries have been rather stagnant or even declining in some countries. In 2008, aquaculture contributed about 46 percent of the fishery output for human consumption. Aquaculture has pushed the demand for, and consumption of, species that have shifted from being primarily wild-caught to being primarily aquaculture-produced, with a decrease in their prices and a strong increase in their commercialization, such as shrimps, salmon and bivalves, as well as tilapia and Pangasius. Aquaculture also has a role in food security, for the significant production of some low-value freshwater species, which are mainly destined for domestic production also through integrated farming. The report held up aquaculture policies in Southeast Asia where fish is a fundamental part of people's diets as a good example of balanced management. The report praised continuously improving government interventions built on comparative advantages and economic incentives that lead to growth, food security and better living standards. Aquaculture Review The aquaculture sector has further expanded, intensified and diversified in the past decade. The expansion has mainly been due to research and development breakthroughs, compliance with consumer demands and improvements in aquaculture policy and governance, as identified in the 2000 Bangkok Declaration and Strategy. Efforts to develop the sector s full potential and increase seafood supplies have been aggressively pursued in recent years, often under regulatory regimes that support industry expansion and growth. Much of the aquaculture sector has developed sustainably in keeping with principles of an ecosystem approach to management and in accordance with the CCRF. However, these trends have not occurred consistently throughout all regions. The environmental performance of the aquaculture sector has continued to improve as a result of a combination of appropriate legislation and governance, technological innovations, risk reductions and better management practices. There is also evidence in most regions of efforts to apply the ecosystem approach to aquaculture development. In many countries, sea-farming activities have expanded, as has promotion of multitrophic aquaculture, causing reduced environmental impact. Aquaculture networking has improved and communication has been amplified. Technology has strengthened, several new species have emerged (striped catfish, tuna, cod, etc.) and some have reached production volumes sufficient for stable markets to develop. The quantity and quality of seed and feed have increased globally as producers have responded both to consumers concerns and to the availability of resources. Significant improvements in feed conversion have been recorded and the reliance on fishmeal has been reduced for several species. In general, aquaculture health management and biosecurity have improved, although sporadic outbreaks of transboundary diseases have occurred in most regions. The use of veterinary drugs and antimicrobials has come under increased scrutiny, and legal frameworks for controlling their use have been established in many countries. However, effective enforcement of such laws is still constrained by a shortage of financial and human resources. 3

4 2. Status of marine fisheries FAO conclusion: The apparently increasing trend in the percentage of overexploited, depleted and recovering stocks and the decreasing trend in underexploited and moderately exploited stocks give cause for concern.. strengthens the likelihood that the production of wild capture fisheries will not be able to increase unless effective management plans are put in place to rebuild overfished stocks. Messages/facts The proportion of marine fish stocks estimated to be underexploited or moderately exploited stocks declined from 40% in the mid-1970s to 15% (20%) in 2008, whereas the proportion of overexploited, depleted or recovering stocks appears increased from 10% in 1974 to 32% in The proportion of fully exploited stocks has remained relatively stable at about 50% since the 1970 s. In 2008 about 15% (20%) of the stocks monitored were underexploited (3%) (2%) or moderately exploited (12%) (18%) and able to produce more than their current catches. This is the lowest percentage recorded since the mid-1970 s. In 2008 slightly more than half the stocks (53%) (52%) were estimated to be fully exploited and, therefore their current catches are at or close to their maximum sustainable productions, with no room for further expansion. The remaining 32% (28%) were estimated to be either overexploited (28%) (19%), depleted (3%) (8%) or recovering from depletion (1%) (1%) and, thus, yielding less than their maximum potential production owing to excess fishing pressure, with a need for rebuilding plans. This combined percentage is the highest in the time series. While the degree of uncertainty about these estimates may be great, the apparently increasing trend in the percentage of overexploited, depleted and recovering stocks and the decreasing trend in underexploited and moderately stocks give cause for concern. Most of the stocks of the top ten species, which account in total for about 30% of the world marine capture fisheries production in terms of quantity, are fully exploited. The two main stocks of anchoveta (Engraulis ringens) in the Southeast Pacific and those of Alaska pollock (Theragra chalcogramma) in the North Pacific and blue whiting (Micromesistius poutassou) in the Atlantic are fully exploited. Several Atlantic herring (Clupea harengus) stocks are fully exploited, but some are depleted. Japanese anchovy (Engraulis japonicus) in the Northwest Pacific and Chilean jack mackerel (Trachurus murphyi) in the Southeast Pacific are considered to be fully exploited. Some limited possibilities for expansion may exist for a few stocks of chub mackerel (Scomber japonicus), which are moderately exploited in the Eastern Pacific, while the stock in the Northwest Pacific was estimated to be recovering. It should be noted that the declining global catch in the last few years, together with the increased percentage of overexploited, depleted or recovering stocks and the decreased proportion of underexploited and moderately exploited species around the world, strengthens the likelihood that the production of wild capture fisheries will not be able to increase unless effective management plans are put in place to rebuild overfished stocks. The situation seems more critical for some highly migratory, straddling and other fishery resources that are exploited solely or partially in the high seas. In the Northeast Atlantic, the blue whiting stock has recovered since the 1990s with current catches of about 1 mt per year, although a managed decline in the short term is probable owing to recent low recruitment. Fishing mortality has been reduced in cod and plaice, with recovery plans in place for the major stocks of these species. The Arctic cod spawning stock was particularly large in 2008, having recovered from the low levels observed from the 1960s to the 1980s. Similarly, the Arctic saithe and haddock stocks 4

5 have increased to high levels, although stocks elsewhere remain fully exploited or overexploited. The largest stocks of sandeel and capelin remain overexploited. The northern shrimp stocks are generally in good condition, but there are indications that some stocks are being overexploited. Harvest control rules based on a more consistent maximum sustainable yield policy have been, or are being, developed for many stocks, including blue whiting, mackerel, Arctic haddock, Arctic cod, and the larger herring and plaice stocks. Cod remains depleted in the North Sea and in the Faeroes, but other stocks are healthier and considered fully exploited. Several stocks of haddock have shown spectacular increases in biomass since 2000, fisheries have grown and most stocks are now considered fully exploited. Saithe stocks have also increased since Some sandeel and capelin stocks have become depleted, while fishing for shrimp seems to have ceased in some areas. Discards - Problems persist with the high levels of unwanted and often unreported bycatch and discards in many fisheries around the world, including the capture of ecologically important species and juveniles of economically valuable species. The latest estimate of global discards from fishing is about 7 million tonnes per year. Assessment of data poor fisheries A conservative estimate is that probably only 10% of the exploited fish stocks are assessed, but not always regularly. Although these assessed stocks include the largest single-species stocks and account for almost 80% of the total declared landings, it is clear that for the large majority of the exploited fish stocks there is no or little information on their status. In addition to the difficulty of developing a reliable global overview of the state of fish stocks, this situation also undermines the ability of states to manage their fisheries sustainably. The FAO Code of Conduct for Responsible Fisheries requires that all fisheries should be managed using the best available knowledge, and for most fisheries this information should necessarily include stock status and an understanding of the impacts of fishing on the target species and their supporting ecosystem. Growth in the international trade in fishery products, combined with increasing consumer awareness about sustainability issues, often results in the adoption of ecolabeling schemes, which requires documentation on the state of exploited fish stocks for the application of certification procedures. To ensure the long-term sustainability of fishery resources, it is essential that exploited stocks be regularly assessed and that the results of these assessments are incorporated into the fisheries management process. To increase the awareness of these methods among a wider audience, including the advantages and disadvantages of the different approaches, FAO is preparing a set of guidelines for the assessment of fish stocks in data-poor situations. These guidelines will lay out the main principles as regards the use of these tools, with the precautionary principle as the overarching reference. These methods require fewer data in comparison with traditional stock assessments, but they make more explicit use of local knowledge and informal approaches. Assessments of uncertainty and risk will be a key part of such methods. The assessment procedure will be more closely linked to fisheries management and the decision-making process. Fishmeal Small pelagics, in particular anchoveta, are the main groups of species used for reduction, and the production of fishmeal and fish oil is strictly linked to the catches of these species. The El Niño phenomenon has considerable effects on catches of anchoveta, which has experienced a series of peaks and drastic drops in the last few decades. Fishmeal production peaked in 1994 at 30.2 million tonnes (live weight equivalent) and has followed a fluctuating trend since then. In the last three years, 5

6 it has experienced minimum variations (20.8 million tonnes in 2008) as catches of anchoveta have been rather stable. This paper has concentrated on the headline themes but there are also key sections: on measures against IUU fishing; maintaining biosecurity in aquaculture; which fish to eat; enjoying the benefits while minimising the risks; fisheries sector transparency; climate change, implications for fisheries and aquaculture; private standards and certification in fisheries and aquaculture; aquaculture development in Southeast Asia: the role of policy. For further information: FAO The State of World Fisheries and Aquaculture 2010 (218 pages) FAO Press Release Fish consumption reaches all-time high - No improvement in level of global fish stocks Prepared by Karen Green 15 February