Global Outlook for Aquaculture Leadership

GOAL 2010 Highlights Shifting Seafood Demand,
Need for Greater Aquaculture Productivity
Economist Albert Zeufack set the stage for a GOAL 2010
that revealed strategic global trends driving seafood demand and
increased aquaculture productivity by describing in his keynote
how global economic power is shifting from West to East.
The shift is creating a large new middle class in the Asian economies,
particularly in China, Zeufack said at the October 17-20
meeting in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. This in turn is driving a surge
in seafood consumption that far outstrips previous projections based
solely on population increases. This megatrend is already well under
way and is expected to continue for several decades.
The nearly 300 international aquaculture and seafood industry
leaders at Global Outlook for Aquaculture Leadership
(GOAL) 2010 also heard that imported seafood is playing agrowing role
in the domestic market of China, by far the world’s
leading aquaculture producer.
Economist Ragnar Tveteras evaluated economic indicators
from the International Monetary Fund and World Bank and
stated that China will shift from being a net seafood exporter to
a net seafood importer by 2011. His conclusion triangulated
with feedback from other speakers on the Chinese market.
Organized by the Global Aquaculture Alliance, the GOAL
meeting was co-hosted by the Malaysia Department of Fisheries
at the Shangri-La Hotel in Kuala Lumpur. GOAL 2010’s
momentous conclusions helped buyers and producers adjust their
strategic plans to avoid potential disruptions in supply and
demand.
With the framework of surging seafood demand in mind,
GOAL speakers addressed the question of how to sustainably
increase production. One recommended thrust was to utilize
improved technology. Robins McIntosh of the C.P. Group the
described advances in penaeid shrimp technology using genetically
improved animals within controlled growout systems to increase
productivity. Shorter cycles also drive down feed and energy costs.
This solution produces more seafood with fewer resources.
Another recommendation was expansion of production area
into undeveloped regions, particularly Africa, where such economic
development would lead to important community benefits.
In order to assure sustainability, GOAL speakers also
emphasized the importance of certification and traceability of
each link in the supply chain. Updates were provided on GAA’s
newly released Best Aquaculture Practices standards for
Pangasius and feed mills, and the status of salmon standards,
which are expected soon. Participants at GOAL 2010 provided
feedback on major issues through individual responses to questions
posed through an audience response system.
A key benefit of GOAL was the opportunity for industry
leaders to network during pre-conference tours, luncheons, coffee
breaks and receptions. A highlight of the event was the gala
reception at the prestigious Malaysian Petroleum Club, which
offered a commanding view of Kuala Lumpur from the heights
of the city’s trademark Petronas Twin Towers.
GOAL 2010 helped identify a pivotal point for global aquaculture
production. The Global Aquaculture Alliance plans to
follow up on the trends it examined in Malaysia at GOAL 2011,
scheduled for Santiago, Chile, in late October or early November of next year.