BVA launches policy position on aquaculture
The UK is the eighth largest producer of finfish from aquaculture.
The British Veterinary Association (BVA) has published a new policy position on UK sustainable finfish aquaculture, setting out the organisation’s vision for the future of the industry.
Put together by a panel of experts, the position argues that veterinary professionals have a key role to play in aquaculture and calls for greater visibility of the sector in the veterinary industry, especially for students.
It points out that although there are currently significant shortages of veterinary surgeons working in aquaculture, most graduate with little experience or understanding of how to provide care for fish.
As well as appealing to students, the position also urges practising veterinary surgeons to learn more about the welfare needs of finfish such as salmon and trout and to consider joining the industry.
BVA is also calling for more research into the welfare of farmed fish and the impact that aquaculture has on the environment, stating that aquaculture should be carried out in a way that is environmentally, ethically, and economically sustainable.
As wild stocks of many fish species decline, aquaculture has become an important source of food, producing 50 per cent of all fish consumed globally. In the UK, it’s become a key food production sector, with salmon farming now a major industry in Scotland.
In 2022, the UK Government created a £100 million UK Seafood Fund to support the long-term future and sustainability of the fisheries and seafood sector.
BVA senior vice-president Justine Shotton said: “Aquaculture represents a significant proportion of the UK’s food production but more understanding and research is needed into fish health and welfare and the wider environmental impacts of this industry.
“There is scope for the veterinary profession to play a more significant part in aquaculture and we hope to encourage students and vets already in practice to consider exploring related roles during their careers. We hope this position provides some clarity on what could be done to futureproof and enhance the sector.”
The full policy statement is available to read on the BVA’s website.
Defra has published guidance for the vet sector ahead of a proposed UK-EU Sanitary and Phytosanitary agreement.
