Journal of Aquaculture Research & Development

EU aquaculture related to world situation

3^rd International Conference on Aquaculture & Fisheries

September 29-October 01, 2016 London, UK

Bernhard Feneis

Federation of European Aquaculture Producers, Germany

Keynote: J Aquac Res Development

Abstract:

Aquaculture is doubtlessly the branch of the food sector which is most important, at least in the following 20-30 years, for different reasons. More and more aquaculture has to compensate the restrictions in the maritime fishing sector. Due to the predicted growth of the world population by billion people, it is inevitable to use aquaculture for the additional protein demand. Wild catch is even now already decreasing. Key issue in the discussion how to feed the world is sustainability. Aquaculture is unbeatable in topics like food conversion rate, carbon footprint, carefull use of resources in general. Sustainability is the magic word. The definition of aquaculture by FAO is accepted worldwide: �??farming of aquatic organisms�?� this includes �??rural aquaculture�?� as well as �??industrial monoculture�?�. The broad variety of aquaculture is also reflected in the wide range of taxonomic criteria. Such as �??degree of commercialization�?�, �??extensive-semiintensive-intensive�?�, not to forget algae production, or aquaponics, just to name a few. In this presentation, the role of European aquaculture (E28) is discussed on different member states. The EU28 situation is compared with NonEU countries and the world wide situation, additional functions of aquaculture are discussed exceeding the purpose of growing fish or water organisms, e.g. ecosystem services. There are lot of areas of conflict, having an adverse effect to the development of aquaculture. Although the ecological- and other advantages are undisputed, aquaculture in Europe needs support by politics, science, and most important entrepreneurs. A study is presented, showing the differences in 12 key issues between EU 28 (eg. Germany) and Non EU countries (Turkey). Internal barriers due to administration, environment protection, NGOs are discussed, as well as the difficulty for EU aquaculture to stabilize its position on the world market. Particular emphasis is given to the topic �??level playing field�?� and to the question what sense makes a European financial support, given to aquaculture having the long term development in mind. Some examples will show the wide range and how deep sustainability can be implemented in freshwater aquaculture using modern technologies with the clear commitment to it of the entrepreneur. The importance of Eco labels is discussed in relation to the sustainability philosophy of the employers. Finally a �??to do list�?� of producers, addressed to RTD and politicians is presented to point out the criteria to be fulfilled in order to use at least partly in EU member states the great potential which is seen worldwide in aquaculture.

Biography :

Bernhard Feneis has studied Fishgenetic from Technical University of Munich and a second fulltime study course of Veterinary Medicine from Ludwig Maximilian University Munich. He is working as Fish Vet at Bavarian Fish Health Service and on private bases in EU Memberstates. He is Vice President of Federation of European Aquaculture Producers, and President of the German Aquaculture Association VDBA.

Email: Bernhard.Feneis@tgd-bayern.de