CREATING A DRAFT CODE OF CONDUCT

With the growing dependence on aquaculture as a global supplier of seafood and aquaculture products for consumptive, recreational, or restoration purposes ethical conflicts between producers and the general public are inevitable. The increased visibility of aquaculture on global basis requires producers, suppliers, scientists, educators, managers and regulators to proactively and responsibly understand and appropriately respond to perceived ethical issues associated with the discipline. Ethical challenges that aquaculture and fisheries management face revolve around environmental sustainability, animal welfare, responsible conduct in research, stock enhancement and restoration, genetic manipulation and management, plant and animal health and well-being, and social and regulatory concerns.

This workgroup will frame the issue from a responsible, proactive perspective with the goal of creating a draft code of conduct. Participants will help draft the code of conduct and will be charged with addressing both concerns and opportunities while offering suggestions on how to avoid or minimize ethical challenges within their specific focus discussion.