E-Newsletter December 2011
31 Jan, 2012

FROM THE EDITOR

I wish all the members a very happy, healthy and productive 2012.

In spite of so much progress in science, over million people go to bed hungry every day. Food insecurity has become the major concern of most developing countries. Year 2011 has seen many conferences on food security at global, regional and national levels. Food insecurity cannot be addressed just by increasing production. We need to address issues that constrain access to food by the poor. Hence, food security is linked with livelihood security and poverty eradication. As we all know, fish the cheapest animal protein, has been contributing to livelihood security and poverty reduction besides being contributing to nutritional security. Estimates have been made by various institutions and scientists on the future demand for fish in the next 10-20 years. While many of us are positive of meeting the future demand, the major concern is sustainability of productions without impinging on the environment. We all have a role in contributing to the sustainable development of the sector to meet the future demand.

Year 2011 has seen three major conferences organised by the Society and its branches: CAA3, DAA8 and 9th Indian Fisheries Forum which are detailed in the report. And also efforts are in progress to provide more information on Asian fisheries through AsiaPacific-Fishwatch. Issues related to gender are gaining importance in various discussions and starting of the Gender Aquafish is a good beginning in that direction.

We are trying to bring as much information as possible to the members through the newsletter and I urge all members to share information on their research activities, research findings, upcoming conferences, training programs, etc. in their countries/institutions through the newsletter.