- Even though Norway and the Philippines are located on completely different sides of the globe, we share some significant characteristics like the long coastline, the vast ocean and a considerable fishing industry, said ambassador Solem when he gave the opening remarks of the Aquapark Conference held in the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) building in Quezon City.
Aquaculture accounts for substantial numbers to the total world production of fish, as much as one third is being farmed. While the growth rate from wild fisheries remains pretty much flat, aquaculture production keeps on growing. The production of fish in the Philippines is already high. However, the sector still needs development to be able to fully exploit its vast potential.
Fish farming in Norway.
Norway is one of the world’s largest producer and exporter of farmed fish. Norway’s long coastline and cold, fresh seawater provides excellent conditions for aquaculture activities.
In the 40 years of its existence, aquaculture in Norway has grown into a major industry, creating jobs and value along the entire coast. Salmon and trout are the main species, although, cod, other marine species and shellfish are also farmed.
Read more about aquaculture on the Norwegian directorate of fisheries’ webpage and fisheries.no.
Aquapark – a project funded by Norad.
Environmental survey - Fish cages Sual. Photo: Aquapark An environmentally sustainable aquaculture industry – minimizing risks to the marine environment and biological diversity – is a prerequisite for long-term growth and development.
The business of aquaculture is therefore not just unproblematic. Although it secures a consistent flow of a much needed and a highly demanded source of food, the consequences of aquaculture if not managed professionally may be highly damaging.
With assistance from the Norwegian aquaculture sector and funded by the Norwegian agency for development cooperation Norad, a report on sustainable aquaculture was presented by Aquapark. Three different case studies from different parts of the Philippines are included to prove some its findings.
“The project aimed to enhance the government’s capabilities in identifying new aquaculture zones, calculate sustainable aquaculture carrying-capacity for these zones, and develop guidelines for good aquaculture practice in these zones. This will allow the Government to plan the development of new aquaculture areas in a responsible and sustainable way, based on the carrying capacity of the area for aquaculture” says Mr. White, a senior aquaculture consultant for Akvaplan-niva.
The production of aquaculture in the Philippines has risen considerably since the 1970’s with milkfish and tilapia being the most produced fish, according to the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO).
Aquapark conference at the BFAR, Quezon City. Photo: Aquapark - With this report we are confident to see an increase in the sustainable production of fish. This will benefit the Filipino people through job creation and contribute to the security of this vital source of food, said ambassador Solem in his opening remarks, where he also conveyed thanks to all parties for their valuable contribution, and not least a very fruitful cooperation to ensure such a valuable report.