World aquaculture production up 2.5 percent in 2008

Worldwide farmed fish production totalled 51.6 million tonnes in 2008, up 2.5 percent on-year, according to a United Nations Food and Agriculture Organisation report.

According to FAO statistics, total fisheries production reached 141.6 million tonnes last year, up 0.9 percent from 2007.

Seafood consumption per capita remained unchanged at 16.9 kg, with aquaculture accounting for 8.4 kg.

Fish imports surpassed the US$100 billion mark for the first time, though fish export values were slightly lower, the FAO said.

Around 50 percent of world fish exports were shipped by developing countries, with 80 percent going to developed countries.

Japan became the world's largest fish importer again in 2008, after being toppled by the US in 2007.

In terms of value, European nations accounted for 40 percent of total imports.

China is the leading fish exporter, with sales of US$10.2 billion last year, the report said. A major part of China's export sales consisted of imported raw material that was processed domestically and then re-exported. Its fish imports continue to expand, representing about US$5.2 billion last year.

Norway's export value increased 18 percent from 2007 to US$7.4 billion, mainly due to growth in salmon exports.