MANILA, Philippines — The government is implementing aquaculture and fisheries initiatives, including an integrated, pro-poor, and community-based program to produce an adequate supply of quality and affordable fishery and aquaculture products and, at the same time, lift small fisherfolk families from poverty. The initiatives include an integrated multi-species hatchery and aqua-silviculture projects, 62 mariculture parks and nine regional and municipal fishports, an expanded “cage-for-livelihood” program, training and technical assistance in aquaculture, commercial, post-harvest, and regulatory services, and ensuring compliance with global food security standards.

Community-based hatcheries and aquasilvi – raising of fish in mangrove farms – will provide poor fisherfolk families with income and jobs to make them self-sufficient. Aquaculture is the main source of food fish in the Philippines, with more mariculture parks being established to ease the pressure on 13 key fishing grounds. Mariculture is a specialized aquaculture activity involving culture of fishery species in marine waters.

Aquaculture is the world’s fastest-growing source of animal protein and provides nearly half of all fish consumed globally, according to “World Aquaculture 2010,” published by the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO). The report said that global production of fish from aquaculture grew more than 60 percent between 2000 and 2008 – from 32.4 million tons to 52.5 million tons. The FAO report forecasts that by 2012 more than 50 percent of the world’s food fish consumption will come from aquaculture.

The FAO report noted that aquaculture has helped reduce poverty and improve food security worldwide. Asia-Pacific dominates the sector, accounting for 89.1 percent of global production in 2008. Of the 15 leading aquaculture-producing countries, 11 are in Asia-Pacific.

The package of interventions by government, assisted by international and private groups, to develop the aquaculture sector will benefit Filipino fisherfolk and their families, create job opportunities in rural areas, and improve and protect the country’s aquatic resources.