Fishing for the Future: The Why and How of Nature’s Most Abundant Protein Source
Event Information
As fisheries globally are on the verge of collapse due to overfishing, effects of global climate change, ocean acidification, and marine pollution, the donor community is faced with a perfect storm of challenges for food security worldwide. One must ask the question: Can we feed the world without saving wild fish stocks? The importance of the fisheries sector (both capture fisheries and aquaculture) to the food security and livelihoods of millions of people worldwide can scarcely be over-stated, yet globally it is severely underfunded and its importance is under-emphasized. The fisheries sector is integrally linked to virtually all development objectives, from education to democracy and governance, to public health (including nutrition and HIV) to economic growth. The sector employs more than 10 million people on the African continent alone and is the only source of animal protein for 1 in 5 people. Nearly 80% of fish consumed in developed counties is sourced in the developing world, and fish products are among the most traded commodities. The net export value of fish products from developing countries ($17.4 billion in 2002) is greater than the combined net export value of rice, coffee, sugar, and tea. This talk highlighted the challenges and opportunities related to global fisheries, with some examples of USAID programs in West Africa and Southeast Asia that are helping to turn the tide on fisheries sector reform and coastal and marine resources management.
Speakers
Bryan Gillooly
United States Agency for International Development
Richard Volk
United States Agency for International Development