2023-04-19 11:22:22
The British Veterinary Association (BVA) has issued a position on sustainable fish aquaculture calling for “more research into the welfare needs of fish and the impact of aquaculture on the environment”, as well as urging vets to consider roles in the industry as part of their careers.
Aquaculture is one of the UK’s key strategic food production sectors, particularly Scotland, where salmon farming provides essential jobs in remote and rural communities. However, doubts have been raised as to whether it can ever be truly sustainable.
That is why the new BVA position on sustainable fish aquaculture “sets out the association’s vision for the sustainable development of the fish farming sector and the need to fully consider respect for the welfare of fish.”
Developed by a panel of experts and focusing specifically on fish such as salmon and trout, the document analyzes and makes recommendations on key issues such as the health and welfare of farmed fish, the impact of fish farming on the environment and the biodiversity, and the participation of the veterinary profession in the sector.
The BVA states that “aquaculture must be carried out in a way that is environmentally, ethically and economically sustainable”, and to achieve this “aquaculture systems must work towards positive animal welfare for the fish that are farmed”. It also recommends that “further research be commissioned to help understand fish, their welfare needs and how these can best be met when they are in captivity, so that they have a good life.
“It is vital that more research is carried out to assess how aquaculture impacts the environment and biodiversity. This includes exploring issues such as the effect of escapes and the interaction of farmed fish with wild populations, the use of medicines and how to minimize the carbon footprint of aquaculture.
INCORPORATE AQUACULTURE IN VETERINARY SCHOOLS
Furthermore, it urges what more veterinarians get involved in the sector. “During their education, although veterinarians receive university training in the care of small animals and production animals, the most graduate with little experience or understanding of caring for fish and usually complete additional qualifications to work in aquaculture. This has resulted in a shortage of experienced veterinarians to advise the sector”.
BVA Senior Vice President, Justine Shottonadds that “aquaculture accounts for a significant proportion of UK food production, but more understanding and research is needed into the health and welfare of fish and the environmental impacts of this industry. There is scope for the veterinary profession to play a major role in aquaculture and we hope to encourage students and veterinarians already in practice to consider exploring related roles during their careers. We hope this position provides some clarity on what might be done to future-proof and improve the sector.”
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