Bad News For The World
No seafood for consumption in about 50 years
Borneo Post
KOTA KINABALU: Unless something is done to check the decline of marine biodiversity, there will be no seafood for consumption in about 50 years from now, Borneo Marine Research Institute of Universiti Malaysia Sabah (UMS) director Professor Dr Saleem Mustafa said.
Speaking to reporters at the launching of the Annual International Seminar on Marine Science & Aquaculture: Ocean Health & Our Future by Deputy Chief Minister Datuk Seri Panglima Yahya Hussin yesterday, Dr Saleem said over the last 200 years, marine health had been declining.
“We expect that if seafood supply decline does not stop, we will have serious problem with food security. In about 50 years from now, most of the seafood will be history and if biodiversity continues to decline at the rate which is taking place now, we will have serious problem,” he said.
According to Dr Saleem, fish that is served on the dining table are also a part of the world’s eco-system and depleting stock will take a toll on the eco-system.
He pointed out that the resilience of the eco-system is also threatened by climate change and the seminar will look into all these pertinent issues. Resolutions will be made and released to the public on March 21, he said.
Meanwhile, organizing committee chairperson Associate Professor Dr Rossita Shapawi said about 120 people, 32 from 10 different countries including Japan, Korea, India, Netherlands and the Philippines are taking part in the seminar.
“The seminar’s objective is we want to share knowledge specifically on marine science and aquaculture through an open scientific discussion for all researchers and stakeholders. There will also be a special session for stakeholders in Sabah on the second day of the seminar with specific discussions on Tun Mustapha Marine Park in Kudat,” she said.
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