Professor Simon Davies

Creoso - welcome

I

write this editorial from a new vantage point in Brixham, Devon. Brixham is a principal fishing port in England steeped in history and I intend to write a feature sometime in the New Year.

Plymouth University has been gifted the old Astra Zeneca laboratories for development and the agenda will be environmental research, commercial engagement and educational use. My new office overlooks the water’s edge and will hopefully inspire me to think more deeply of the various issues affecting the global fishing industry and aquaculture. Indeed it is important to note the interplay between the established sea fishing industry with its quotas and legislative constraints, diminishing stocks of specific species and the emergence of aquaculture to provide some 47% or more of sea food production globally. I am like others, passionately concerned about the sustainability of our natural fish populations and advocate policies directed towards protective zones and conservation. Aquaculture from the perspective of marine fish farming and shellfish farming can augment the sea fish industry and such activities as the use of hatcheries and on-growing of stock for release offer hope for endangered species. Already

the National Lobster Hatchery in Cornwall, UK has made invaluable contributions to this end and there are many other examples throughout the world where aquaculture contributes to biodiversity through breeding programmes. After all many of the so called wild Pacific salmon start their complex life in a hatchery fed artificial feeds. We need to consider these in a future article. A controversial area that has attracted comment lately is the question of GMO and products in aquaculture and our policy within International Aquafeed to such technology. Well, our policy is not to have an official policy, but to allow freedom of expression based on factually based scientific evidence and clear governance that is reliably sourced and available for discussion. It is certainly not the case that I would impede on a personal level anyone’s thoughts and opinions but it is wise to ask if an opinion reflects a consensus view in future articles. I personally, as a scientist, must see things based on sound data and do respect the tremendous advances in the GMO field with respect to genomics and applications in animal and plant production. There is obviously great potential in this rapidly advancing science, but real issues such as safety, costs and consumer protection and acceptance are important drivers that will dictate the longer term outcomes and deliverables. However I have refrained from a direct opinion in my editorial as I am also acutely aware of strong views in either direction and to maintain the impartiality and integrity of the magazine. No doubt there will be many other areas evoking similar passion and controversy in the future. In this issue we concern ourselves with Shrimp as our regional focus, taking a look at the issues surrounding secure shrimp farming and using seaweed to prevent Vibrio. We take a look at new innovations in aquafeed processing technology with Clextral and address whether phytogenics can address challenges in aquafeed. A very vibrant issue to start to the new year with indeed! All that remains is to wish our readers a prosperous and successful 2015. I look forward to welcoming you to our next edition in March!

Aquaculture America 2015

- International Aquafeed will be exhibiting again! Come along to stand 242 and meet Darren and Tom from the team at this important aquaculture conference and exhibition from the 19th to the 22nd of February.