16 MARCH 2017 • WORLD AQUACULTURE • WWW.WAS.ORG than a threat, is a challenge for the aquaculture sector in Europe. Furthermore, aquaculture regulation is a big challenge for aquaculture development in the European Union. For instance it takes 2-3 years to obtain a permit to operate an aquaculture farm in most of the EU member countries, while this process takes only about 6 months in Norway. Because of this, there has been a very small increase in aquaculture production in the EU over the last 5 years, while aquaculture has grown significantly over the same period in Norway. The initial setting of aquaculture regulations in the EU was good in assuring that aquaculture practice takes into account food safety, environmental impacts, ecosystem services, etc. However, if the current heavy bureaucratic and complicated process is not properly simplified, aquaculture production in the EU will stagnate and may be in a crisis and consequently rely more on imports. Rodrigue Yossa: What does the future of aquaculture look like in the world? Patrick Sorgeloos: At the world level, I see very promising opportunities for aquaculture development, especially if the new aquaculture systems are integrated and managed sustainably. However, other countries should not make the mistakes that were made in the US and EU, with over-bureaucratic, complex and unpredictable legislation. Rodrigue Yossa: What do you think about professional certification of aquaculturists? Patrick Sorgeloos: In 1999-2000, when I was the President of the World Aquaculture Society, someone suggested that the organization should set up professional certification for its members. The idea was not pursued because the main discussion was about who has the authority to offer such a certification. However, after all the evolution that has happened in the aquaculture sector over the last 15 years, today is probably an opportune moment to reconsider this idea. Rodrigue Yossa: What would be the steps towards the professionalization of aquaculturists? Patrick Sorgeloos: The certification of fisheries professionals by the American Fisheries Society (AFS) was used as a reference in 1999-2000 when the idea of professional certification of aquaculturists was suggested to WAS. Maybe AFS’ experience could still be considered today. Moreover, it could be a good idea to discuss this further with international organizations such as the WAS and EAS, the Global Aquaculture Alliance, EATiP, etc. Rodrigue Yossa: What would you have done differently if you had to restart your career in aquaculture? Patrick Sorgeloos: I have no idea, because my career was a series of pure coincidences. Rodrigue Yossa: What advice would you give to young aquaculturists? Patrick Sorgeloos: Be open-minded, share knowledge and experiences, don’t hesitate to give and take, and keep in mind that we are in a very dynamic sector of food production where ideas and approaches evolve fast. Also, be open to life-long learning based on literature and experiences. Hervé Lucien-Brun to be Plenary Speaker One of the key highlights of the conference program at APA 17 is the plenary session, with presentations by leading aquaculture experts. The session will start with an address by Hervé Lucien-Brun, Aquaculture & Qualite, France. He will make a presentation on “Marketing farmed seafood from Asia to global markets,” which is linked to the conference theme of “Transforming for market needs.” Hervé Lucien-Brun is an independent consultant with more than 30 years of experience in tropical marine shrimp and finfish aquaculture. Travel Award for Women’s Participation The WAS-APC is providing the opportunity for two women working in aquaculture to attend APA 17. Funding for this opportunity is provided by WAS-APC and Aquaculture without Frontiers is facilitating the selection process. There are two grants available of US$600 each, which can be used to assist with accommodation and travel to the conference. Conference registration fees of the successful applicants will be waived. Applicants need to complete the application form and will be assessed according to the following selection criteria: 1. Knowledge and understanding of the role of women in aquaculture (20 points) 2. Capacity to contribute to the future development of aquaculture (30 points) 3. Potential benefits to the individual and the sector that they work in (30 points) 4. Demonstrated skills that will enable the applicant to be an effective member of the WAS-APC information booth. (20 points) Applicants must be willing to serve and assist at the WAS-APC Booth in the trade show. After the conference, the successful applicants must prepare a report within 30 days, including photographs, outlining issues that need to be considered by women prior to, during and after the conference to maximize the benefits of participation. Enquiries should be referred to Dr. Guillaume Drillet, PresidentElect of the WAS-APC and Chair of the Award Committee (gdr@ dhigroup.com) and Dr. Bibha Kumari, Student Director of the WASAPC (bibhak136@gmail.com). Plans Well Underway for Asian-Pacific Aquaculture 2017 (CONTINUED ON PAGE 72) Sorgeloos, continued from page 13
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