Containment restraints continue to affect aquaculture supply chain: FAO

The report stressed every stage of the fisheries and aquaculture supply chain is susceptible to being disrupted.

According to a new report launched by the UN deputy agriculture chief on February 2, 2021, COVID-19 has caused ’widespread upheaval’ for the whole fishing and aquaculture industry around the world.

“Production has been disrupted, supply chains have been interrupted and consumer spending restricted by various lockdowns”, said Maria Helena Semedo, Deputy Director-General of the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO). 

And as containment restraints continue to affect supply and demand, further interference may impact the sector throughout the year, according to FAO’s ’The impact of COVID-19 on fisheries and aquaculture food systems’ report. 

While containment restrictions are expected to have pushed fish supply, consumption, and trade revenues for 2020 into decline, the report noted that global aquaculture production – the cultivation of all organisms including plants, and other saltwater or freshwater organisms – may also have recorded its first drop in years. 

The report stressed every stage of the fisheries and aquaculture supply chain is susceptible to being disrupted or stopped by these restrictions. 

The Fish Price Index is down for most traded species and restaurant and hotel closures in many countries have prompted falling demand for fresh fish.  

The FAO report indicated that unsold aquaculture products would increase live fish stocks, creating higher costs for feeding and more fish mortalities.