In order to address governance problems caused by the fast growth the aquaculture industry, particularly for species such as Atlantic salmon, which is now the second-most-valuable farmed species, the FAO Fisheries and Aquaculture Department has published a new technical paper.
The report, Improving governance of aquaculture employment, approaches food insecurity and poverty through the promotion of sustainable aquaculture.
The paper firstly clarifies the scope of effective governance, which means a balance between ecological and human well-being so that the industry is sustainable over time.
The aquaculture farms and jurisdictions taken into account were from Africa, the Americas, Asia and Europe, where Information on employment characteristics, such as educational background, gender and remuneration was gathered.
The conclusions reached by the study suggest that in general, labour force has benefited from aquaculture. Farms provided permanent jobs so young population was able to stay in their communities. Remuneration levels in all of the enterprises surveyed were at, or above, the minimum wage, and usually above wages in alternative sectors. Workers also enjoyed medical and pension coverage, even bonuses.
On the other hand, unskilled workers receive poor salaries and working conditions are often rudimentary.
According to the study, local communities also benefit from the advantages of developing aquaculture farms, as residents spent more money and pay taxes. This is helping to reduce poverty, isolation and illiteracy.
Courtesy of FIS.com
Recent Comments