WWW.WAS.ORG • WORLD AQUACULTURE • MARCH 2018 23 Capture fisheries increased fivefold from 60 million t in 1960 to approximately 100 million t in 2000 but has not grown further since then. New and more efficient fishing technologies have led to a dramatic increase and spread of fishing activities and the consequent full to over exploitation of the main commercial fish stocks. As the global population and consumption grows, aquaculture alone has compensated the consequent increase in demand for seafood. Aquaculture is the fastest growing food sector, having reached and overcome 100 million t in recent years. With 16 kg of farmed fish consumed per person per year, it now accounts for nearly 50 percent of global seafood production (Larson and Roney 2013). Sustainable Aquaculture: A Review of Existing Certification Programs Paolo Bray Farming fish or enclosing them in ponds for ranching dates back to the time agriculture was first developed, around 10,000 years ago. Farming techniques had not improved substantially until the beginning of the 20th century, when a mere four species were raised worldwide. It was only since 1900 that technology developed and new knowledge on fish biology allowed for raising more species in closed circle. Currently over 400 different species are raised worldwide, although some of them only experimentally. The increase in the number of farmed species, together with the increase in global demand and more efficient farming methods, has led to a strong growth in aquaculture production: from less (CONTINUED ON PAGE 24) Fish held at high density in net pens may experience negative effects on welfare. Consumers of animal proteins are increasingly concerned with animal welfare issues and seem to be willing to pay a certain price premium for aquaculture products that are certified to an animal welfare standard. This means that introducing and engaging in additional fish welfare requirements can make economic sense for the industry.
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