Sustainable Aquaculture Development and its Role in Food Security and Economic Growth in Eritrea: Trends and Prospects - Abstract
The contribution of aquaculture to world food production has increased significantly over the last few decades, and this sector now supplies nearly half of the total fish and shellfish used for human consumption. Considering its importance in the world food sector, it is widely recognized that the industry should become sustainable from every angle. As the catch of wild fish declines, aquaculture is the only way to meet the increasing demand for fishery products. However, some argue that aquaculture results in environmental pollution and diminishes wild fisheries resources, and that it should be stopped or conducted only in extensive farming systems. This view lacks global vision and long-term considerations, including the increasing global population and food demand. As many scientists have suggested, the future of aquaculture sector is challenged by the need to produce more fish for food security and nutrition in a sustainable manner entailing technical feasibility, social license, environmental integrity, and economic viability. Eritrea is a
small country in Eastern Africa with 2,234 km coastline. Most of the coastline is gradually sloping beaches and shallow bays, a perfect environment for fish farming. Nevertheless, as in many African countries, aquaculture in Eritrea is a new form of agriculture and still at its early stage. Aquaculture practice started in Eritrea in 1987, but the first commercial aquaculture farm is Seawater Farms Eritrea (SFE), which was established in 1998. Based on my research findings at the coastline of the Red Sea (2002-2011, Massawa, Eritrea), factors such as feed availability, temperature and salinity have direct and important effects on the growth and production of cultured fish in Eritrea’s aquaculture practice. Aquaculture in Eritrea, if properly developed and managed, could play key roles in food security and economic growth, as is the case in many developing countries, including China. Moreover, Eritrea is found at the very important strategic economic zone for China’s new initiatives, such as Maritime Silk Road (MSR) or One Belt and One Road (OBOR) and South-South Cooperation (SSC). Indeed, aquaculture at Eritrea’s coastline is one of the potential industries to be developed under these initiatives. Therefore, the purpose of
this paper is to review sustainable aquaculture development in Eritrea and its role in food security and economic growth, presenting trends and prospects.