Page 26 - FAO Aquaculture News, May 2021 - No. 63

Webinar: Regional Review on Status and Trends in

Aquaculture Development in North America – 2020

his article summarizes the key messages and findings associated with export of seafood products, for example
Tfrom the regional review on the status and trends of the recent and ongoing restructuring and expansion of
aquaculture development in North America, as presented trade agreements, when reacting to the changing market
during a webinar held on 27 October 2020. A video environment.
recording of each webinar can be found here:
www.aquaculture2020.org/reviews. Innovation and diversification Special Section | Aquaculture Reviews
North America has been at the forefront of aquaculture
Danielle Blacklock, Director of the Office of Aquaculture innovation, including the research, development and
of the National Marine Fisheries Service of the United application of emerging technology. Some examples of
States of America, opened the webinar. Steve Cross, farm-based technologies include recirculating aquaculture
Director of Applied Research at the Conestoga Institute systems and shellfish depuration systems, as well as the
of Technology, University of Victoria, the lead author of application of sensor integration and robotics. Application
the regional review, presented the main findings and key of breeding technologies has led to improved farmed types.
messages related to North American aquaculture over the Innovation contributes to increased on-farm productivity
past five years. Three aquaculture experts provided their and a decrease in the associated cost of production. Mark
insights and expanded upon the main outcomes. The Lawrence highlighted the importance of these innovations
panelists were Mark Lawrence, professor at Mississippi in catfish farming, noting specifically the hybrid catfish,
State University and Director of the Feed the Future increased aeration and management of nitrogenous waste
Innovation Lab for Fish; Susan Farquharson, Executive through split-pond technology, and stating that these
Director of the Atlantic Canada Fish Farmers Association; innovations have increased production per unit area.
and Bren Smith, Executive Director and Co-founder of the
integrated aquaculture farm Green Wave. The North American aquaculture sector has shown growing
interest in the diversification of species, stemming from
Production, value and expanding markets several factors. Some of these efforts include sablefish,
North America contributes a small and relatively steady Arctic char, sea cucumbers and sea urchins. Notably, the
level of aquaculture production (600 000 to 650 000 tonnes region is beginning to embrace opportunities associated
annually). Despite the stable evolution, the value of the
production has continued to rise over the past 25 years. In INTRODUCTION AND KEYNOTE
other words, the same amount of production has become
more valuable. Much of this increase can be attributed Welcome remarks Matthias Halwart
Head, Aquaculture Branch, FAO
to value-added initiatives, which include branding, eco-
certification and packaging. In order to take advantage of Opening remarks Danielle Blacklock
Director, NOAA Office of Aquaculture, United
this value addition, the sector will need to embrace such States of America
initiatives, address consumer needs and further diversify Regional Review of
Steve Cross
product lines. Bren Smith described the multiple products Aquaculture in North America – Natural Sciences and Engineering Research
produced on his regenerative ocean farm, which combines Status, Trends and Options for Council of Canada
shellfish and seaweed farming, listing food products of the Way Forward
seaweed flours, plant-based burgers and shellfish, as well EXPERT PANEL DISCUSSION
as non-food products such as fertilizer and bioplastics. Innovation and the role of Mark Lawrence
He also noted the opportunity for blue carbon credits for cooperation between farmers, Professor, Mississippi State University
seaweed farms if the seaweed is sequestered in the soil. researchers and government Director, Feed the Future Innovation Lab for
Fish, United States of America
Participatory models of Susan Farquharson
Expanding markets will also drive the development of governance and stakeholder Executive Director, Atlantic Canada Fish
North American aquaculture. The growing global demand engagement Farmers Association, Canada
for diversified seafood is a likely stimulant to increase Seaweed production, Bren Smith
production in North America. Therefore, stakeholders regenerative ocean Executive Director/ Co-Founder
should be aware of the opportunities and challenges farming and key issues for Green Wave, United States of America
international collaboration
Q&A AND CONCLUSION
Prepared by: Question and Answer session
Austin Stankus
E-mail: Austin.Stankus@fao.org Closing remarks Matthias Halwart
Head, Aquaculture Branch, FAO
FAO Fisheries Division, Rome, Italy
Moderator: Austin Stankus, Aquaculture Branch, FAO.

FAO AQUACULTURE NEWS – Nº. 63 ■ MAY 2021 25