By David Burston
In the sustainability equation the environmental impact; neighboring community; operatives; technology; potential risks; species; products; local and global markets; management systems; infrastructure; funding and regional politics must all be taken into account.
Sustainability is vital to the survival of many species, including the human race.
13 of the 15 major Global Fisheries are now in trouble as a result of unscrupulous and unsustainable fishing practices. There is an opportunity to protect and prevent the Pacific moving in the same direction.
Sustainability is a balancing act whereby each one of the above aspects must be above a minimum benchmark, which is being progressively developed to the highest standard possible.
Too often when considering sustainability, focus is placed upon a portion of the sustainable equation e.g. the environmental impact, resulting in the demise of the longer-term profitability of the venture and its' ability to fund ongoing environmental policies.
Working With Change
The world is in a state of constant transformation. The environment is changing, technology is changing, therefore a sustainable aquaculture operation must have systems and strategies in place that embrace change.
Whirlwind financial markets affected by a politically troubled world can drop out in an instant, therefore financing must be secure and flexible. Ruthless competition must be expected and counteracted.
A range of viable long term markets must be identified and secured prior to the development and implementation of all sustainable aquaculture projects. The more diverse the markets the less risk.
Significance must be given to a fragile and unpredictable eco-environment that can be affected by a myriad of natural and man created phenomenon's such as war, El Nino or global warming. The emerging environmental consciousness demands foresight to ensure the protection of ecosystems, to the point of taking Greenpeace, Clean Harbours, Species Protection and Ocean Reforms seriously.
Projects must have a measurable positive benefit for the local community to succeed. The local political climate must be examined carefully and potential obstacles negotiated. Local residents should gain employment opportunities, which include training and advancement within the organisation.
The operation needs transparency with community leaders included in the corporate planning, participating in the decision making affecting development, ownership and profit sharing of each project.
The Re-emergence Of The Pacific for
Sustainable Aquaculture.
Until recently the Pacific Region had a reputation amongst financiers and developers as one that belonged in the "too hard" basket. Environmental damage, corruption, a scarcity of infrastructure and the seemingly lack of interest or ability of the local communities to prosper, resulted in world trade turning it's back on the region.
Social democratic reforms, education and targeted financial initiatives by the US Government and humanitarian finance agencies to support the area has resulted in the emergence of opportunities to work with these communities.
Over the next few years we can expect a conscious move away from fishing exploitation towards international co-operation, which will further support the re-emergence of the Pacific Region. Plans now incorporate the technological advancement of those countries that are still hampered by poor infrastructures; sub-standard and costly communications; infrequent, unreliable and costly freight and transport systems that curtails the viability of smaller operations wishing to generate an export income.
In the search for suitable industries that fell in line with the environmental criteria now desired of the Pacific Region, Eco-tourism and Sustainable Aquaculture were identified as two key opportunities afforded to the locality.
Sustainable Aquaculture and Assets of the Pacific.
The Pacific is not without its assets. Huge areas of pristine water with no industrial pollution; large stocks of many fish species; warm waters leading to high year round growth rates in fish; welcoming local Governments; huge Asian neighbour markets and a safe locale free of pirates and aggressive politics are just some of great benefits of the region.
Until recently the Pacific countries made little to no attempt to capitalize on their assets, but now motions are afoot to take charge of local assets with focused planning and by dealing with a variety of exploitations, such as the indiscriminate live fishing operations that poach live fish and poison local reefs with cyanide.
Local aquaculture initiatives take the following realities into account:
The declining yields of ocean produce of 13 of the 15 main world wild fisheries. [Greenpeace 2000].
Despite the very welcome moves of international fisheries towards "Fishermen For The Environment" it is unlikely that ocean recovery will be in time to sustain the increasing demands of future populations. It is imperative that environmentally safe options be explored to satisfy future demands and prevent further demise.
The demand for healthier foods and the growth in global markets.
Globalization has led to the merging of cuisines and a much greater demand for the healthier, fresher foods traditionally consumed by such neighbors as China and Japan. Servicing the Asian market alone is a resource of three Billion people. Bearing this in mind, the market for high quality aquaculture products produced in unpolluted environments has a very solid future. Given normal supply and demand forces influenced by seasonal and market fluctuations the average price for seafood is expected to increase steadily and continually in real terms over the coming decades.
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