Technology, Innovation, and Strategic Planning: Keys to Sustainable Fisheries and Aquaculture Development

Aquaculture is one of the fastest-growing activities worldwide. It plays a vital role as a livelihood for millions of people and in global food security and nutrition. In fact, in 2022, for the first time in history, aquaculture surpassed capture fisheries as the primary producer of aquatic animals, as reported in the State of World Fisheries and Aquaculture 2024 (SOFIA).

However, its success and sustainability depend on proper planning. Without it, conflicts over resource use, negative environmental impacts, and social tensions hinder sustainable and efficient production.

In this context, integrated spatial management emerges as an essential tool to organize and ensure that fisheries and aquaculture grow in a balanced way, maximizing benefits while minimizing risks.

The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) leads global initiatives to guide countries in the sustainable planning of fisheries and aquaculture.

Tools such as geographic information systems, satellite remote sensing, and drones enable the analysis of the carrying capacity of aquaculture areas, climate change risks, aquatic animal diseases, disaster risk management, social conflicts, and post-harvest marketing, among other factors. These technologies help identify ideal locations, promoting efficient and environmentally friendly production.

Offshore aquaculture represents an innovative frontier for the sustainable expansion of this activity, but it requires spatial and temporal strategic planning. This approach reduces pressure on coastal ecosystems and opens new opportunities in less exploited areas, offering a fresh perspective to meet the growing demand for food.

Other initiatives promoted by FAO, such as the Code of Conduct for Responsible Fisheries and the Ecosystem Approach to Fisheries and Aquaculture, are fundamental to ensuring sustainable growth. These frameworks ensure that fisheries and aquaculture align with ecosystem conservation, social well-being, and economic development.

Additionally, the new Guidelines for Sustainable Aquaculture, launched by FAO this year, strengthen the concept of the Blue Transformation. This vision seeks to expand aquatic food systems and enhance their contribution to healthy, nutritious, and affordable diets, supporting environmental stewardship and inclusive growth, particularly for communities dependent on fisheries and aquaculture.

At the G20 Agriculture Ministerial Meeting, FAO Director-General QU Dongyu praised Brazil's presidency for including family farming, fisheries, and aquaculture in the discussions.

Furthermore, World Fisheries Day, celebrated on November 21, underscores the importance of the sector and sustainable fishing, the human rights of communities, their working conditions, and the critical need to eliminate illegal, unreported, and unregulated fishing activities.

At FAO, we firmly believe that the combination of technology, innovation, strategic planning, and international regulations can transform fisheries and aquaculture into a key driver to meet global food demands, significantly contributing to a fairer and more resilient planet.

Let us work together for sustainable fisheries and aquaculture, promoting better production that ensures better nutrition, a better environment, and a better life for current and future generations, leaving no one behind.