Food security for England: the future is fish

A recent government-sponsored workshop concluded that increased English aquaculture production could help to contribute to increased food security across the UK.

The security of global fish stocks was labelled “very unfavourable” in a recent assessment of UK food security (the access to affordable safe and nutritious food). Yet, increased English aquaculture production could help to contribute to increased local production as a means of securing future supply, supporting local economies and delivering a carbon-efficient outcome.

The two-day event, co-sponsored by the Centre for Environment, Fisheries & Aquaculture Science (Cefas) and the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra), highlighted the fact that the UK population is forecast to grow to 71 million by 2035. In addition, there is a potential for growing consumer demand for fish and shellfish following the Food Standards Agency recommendations that individuals eat two portions of fish per week. If this recommendation was followed, it would require an additional 20 million portions of fish or shellfish per week.

English aquaculture can play a role in addressing these needs. Finfish production is the most efficient animal production (by quantity of feed to produced food). In addition, due to its geography England can provide onshore, offshore and inshore opportunities for aquaculture.

The workshop participants considered that a long-term enabling strategy for aquaculture plus access to better financial instruments were essential to ensure that English aquaculture would have the desired impact. Such a strategy for England should build on previous Scottish and Welsh experiences whilst recognising the differences between these countries.

Government policy-makers and scientists, plus representatives of the aquaculture industry, regulators, retailers, non-governmental organisations and pressure groups attended the workshop. Industry representatives were intent on establishing an English Producers’ “link” organisation to act as a focus for English aquaculture, potentially covering the production of trout, carp, tilapia, shellfish, new species and novel applications.

Notes to editors

1. Cefas is an internationally renowned scientific research and advisory establishment and the UK’s largest and most diverse applied marine science organisation. It works alongside government and other agencies, both in the UK and internationally, to play a vital role in securing healthy marine and freshwater environments for everyone’s well-being, health and prosperity. For more detail about its range of activities visit www.cefas.co.uk.
2. Defra is the UK government department responsible for policy and regulations on the environment, food and rural affairs. For more detail about its range of activities visit www.defra.gov.uk/.
3. In England and Wales, there are some 197 trout farms and 128 shellfish farms; consideration of other fish species brings the total number of fish farms to more than 400. Total fish farm production in England and Wales is 8,127 tonnes (based on 2006 figures). The main finfish species farmed is rainbow trout (7,294 tonnes). There is also limited production of other species, such as brown trout (441 tonnes), carp (175 tonnes), Atlantic salmon (63 tonnes), turbot (63.5 tonnes), barramundi (45 tonnes) and tilapia (33 tonnes). Shellfish farm production totalled 15,449 tonnes in 2006, the main species cultivated being mussels (14,553 tonnes) and oysters (880 tonnes).
4. In monetary terms, English finfish farmed production was £23.5 million in 2006. UK shellfish wild capture production represents 35% of the volume and 51% of the value of UK fisheries landings, whilst UK shellfish cultivation production is £20 million, with English production (mainly mussels and pacific oysters) being £4.5 million.
5. Aquaculture is the fastest growing animal farming sector. Globally, farmed fish represented 12% of animal production in 2006, and it is anticipated that this will rise to 20% over the coming years. Aquaculture is the most efficient animal farming sector, with 1 tonne of feed producing almost 1 tonne of fish (compared to 150kg beef, 300kg pork and 500kg chicken). Globally, aquaculture now accounts for 47% of all fish consumed.
6. For more about the aquaculture industry’s economic importance, visit www.defra.gov.uk/foodfarm/fisheries/farm-health/aquaculture.htm.
7. A précis of the workshop discussions (PDF 40.8 KB) is available with this release.

Press contact
Anne McClarnon: 01502 524370 / anne.mcclarnon@cefas.co.uk.