August 27, 2013

EU invests US$7.8 million in sustainable aquaculture project

The project has been developed as a result of an increase in consumption of seafood worldwide due to a growing human population, a change in eating habits and higher salaries.

The initiative has been joined by Asian and European scientists as well as by several small business stakeholders from Thailand, China, Vietnam and Bangladesh.

The researchers have thoroughly analysed the four main seafood products which are most currently popular in European restaurants and shops, namely, pangasius (catfish), prawn, shrimp and tilapia. The SEAT assessment is the first of its kind to have analysed data in such detail and coverage.

In the first instance, they drew a comprehensive picture of the value chains for each species in the countries where it is grown to establish the history of its production and processing at each location studied. They also took into account local views on the limits to increasing production. They then assessed the life cycle of each product from the feed production to the consumer's disposal of food waste. A detailed analysis helped the scientists detect which areas are specifically problematic.

The analytical data obtained has been changed into statistics which clearly show why some practices are more sustainable than others. It has developed a system in which, by combining large scale "pollution models" with predict interactions within individual farms, it can accurately foresee potential environmental impacts before occurrence.

SEAT tailors each model according to each species and the country in which they are produced. By inputting specific data, the scientists will be able to estimate the potential for eutrophication and nutrient levels. 

The project also dealt with the ethical and social impact of aquaculture productions in Vietnam, China, Thailand and Bangladesh, where aquaculture has become an important source of employment for locals. SEAT is expected to be completed in November 2013.