Asian finfish ‘credibility’ at risk

Growth in Asian finfish aquaculture will be the main focus of the Tars event in Bali, Indonesia, from August 16-17 this year. Tars organisers say aquaculture is poised to play a pivotal role in feeding a global population of nine billion by 2050, and most finfish production is expected to come from Asia. They also suggest that the industry in Asia has the potential to mature into a sustainable food production system, but it needs to overcome several  barriers.

Credibility issues

“Asia’s finfish producers realise the need to be consumer friendly fish providers, as the focus is on food safety,” said Dr Zuridah Merican, editor of Aqua Culture Asia Pacific and chairperson of Tars 2017. “The industry also has to address several challenges holding back its progress as a trusted and responsible fish supplier, including image and credibility issues.”

Dr Merican said that the lack of industrialisation, integration and controlled, production systems, and focus on multiple species continue to hinder R&D on genetics, technology, health management and diseases, as well as the development of support industries, adding: “It is just as important for the industry to keep pace with demands from a new generation of consumers.”

Fish meal-free feeds

Now in its seventh year, Tars 2017 will feature state-of-the-industry and science presentations by industry experts. The two-day meeting aims to promote positive image building and improving relationships and communication among the key players in the finfish sector, different markets, governments and NGOs. The meeting will address:

• State of industry and challenges throughout Asia, specifically for leading finfish producers (China and Indonesia);
• Marketing, branding, value addition, image building, fish meal-free feeds and production technology as the industry is challenged by market demands and competition
• Higher production efficiency through industrialisation, integration, segmentation, automation and health and feed management;
• Opportunities to improve feed efficacy and fish health through R&D, and with performance and functional feeds;
• Future trends in the global finfish industry and market potential for Asian producers.

Since 2011, Tars has provided a platform for dialogue, information exchange and networking among Asia’s key players in the finfish aquaculture sector, including CEOs, farm and hatchery managers, technical managers, integrators, feed producers, technologists, investors, seafood marketers, as well as governments, NGOs, scientists, researchers and other stakeholders.

Tars 2017 is expected to draw 200 participants from Asia, Australia, the US, Europe and Latin America. Industry sponsors for the event include INVE Aquaculture, Biomin, Biomar, Aquativ, Nutriad, Jefo, DSM, HJ Baker and BASF.