Aquatic Animal Welfare
I am writing on behalf of Aquatic Life Institute, an organization committed to the welfare and conservation of aquatic animals globally. We appreciate the opportunity to contribute to the draft guidance on strengthening science-policy interfaces (SPIs) for agrifood systems, a crucial initiative for advancing sustainable development goals.
One of the greatest challenges in advancing SPIs for agrifood systems, especially concerning aquatic life, is integrating specialized environmental and welfare considerations into broader agrifood policies. These often overlooked aspects are critical for the sustainability of aquatic ecosystems and global biodiversity. The FAO guidance could further help by incorporating specific examples and protocols on how to integrate such niche but critical issues into national policy frameworks. A practical enhancement would be to include a toolkit or checklist that policymakers can use to ensure these considerations are not omitted.
While the draft guidance adeptly covers the governance and co-production of SPIs, it may benefit from a more pronounced focus on the ecological impacts of agrifood systems, particularly in aquatic environments. These systems often experience significant, unique challenges, such as overfishing and habitat destruction, which necessitate tailored policy responses. Furthermore, the current draft could expand its sections on cross-scale interactions to explore more deeply the dynamics between local, national, and international policy frameworks, which are often pivotal in managing aquatic resources sustainably.
Additionally, the guidance would be enriched by referencing more diverse sources, including interdisciplinary studies that explore the intersection of aquatic animal welfare and sustainable fishing practices. Including insights from fields such as marine biology, environmental science, and socio-economic research will provide a holistic view and strengthen the science-policy nexus.
We look forward to seeing these elements reflected in the final version of the guidance, contributing to more effective and inclusive SPIs worldwide. Thank you for considering our input.
Mme Giulia Malerbi
I am writing on behalf of Aquatic Life Institute, an organization dedicated to improving the lives of trillions of aquatic animals involved in aquaculture and marine capture fisheries globally. Our work involves collaborating with seafood certifiers to define high-welfare seafood products, engaging with stakeholders throughout the seafood supply chain, and influencing policy changes at the global level. We would like to express our gratitude for the opportunity to participate in this important consultation on building resilient food systems.
Aquatic systems, particularly those involving aquaculture and fisheries, represent a critical intersection of biodiversity and human livelihood. Resilience in these systems can be viewed through the lens of environmental sustainability, the capacity for ecosystems to recover from shocks such as overfishing or habitat destruction, and the ability of communities to sustain their livelihoods in harmony with marine environments.
Aquatic ecosystems are highly sensitive to climatic shocks, including warming waters and increased acidification, both of which dramatically affect marine biodiversity. Social and political shocks, such as regulatory changes and trade restrictions, can also have significant implications, particularly for communities reliant on fishing. These shocks often exacerbate existing vulnerabilities, such as those caused by non-sustainable fishing practices and inadequate management of marine resources.
In building resilience within aquatic food systems, there is often a trade-off between maximizing short-term economic gains and ensuring long-term sustainability. For instance, intensive aquaculture practices may provide immediate economic benefits but can lead to negative outcomes such as water pollution and fish welfare issues. Balancing these trade-offs requires a shift towards more sustainable and welfare-oriented practices that can support resilience without compromising ecological and social integrity.
Our ongoing engagements have highlighted several innovative practices and policies that can enhance resilience. Our engagements at the Aquatic Life Institute emphasize enhancing aquatic animal welfare to build resilience in aquatic food systems. We advocate for enriched environments that meet species-specific needs, sustainable and optimized feed practices, appropriate stocking densities to reduce stress, rigorous water quality management, and humane slaughter methods. These interventions are crucial for maintaining healthy aquatic populations capable of withstanding environmental shocks, thus supporting sustainable and ethical food production practices across the aquatic food supply chain. Policies supporting these practices are crucial and need broader implementation and recognition in national and international frameworks.
To enhance the resilience of aquatic food systems, Aquatic Life Institute recommends the following:
We believe these focused recommendations will significantly contribute to the HLPE-FSN's efforts to build more resilient and humane food systems globally. We look forward to the development of the report and are eager to support its recommendations through our network and expertise.
Thank you for considering our contribution.