The conference, entitled "Freshwater, Fish, and the Future: A cross-sectoral conference to sustain livelihoods, food security, and aquatic ecosystems", was held at FAO headquarters, 26-28 January 2015, sponsored by Michigan State University.
Over 200 participants attended to discuss about commercial, subsistence, aquaculture, and recreational fisheries, as well as the broad context of ecosystem services provided by inland aquatic systems. The resources and the future of Inland Fisheries were discussed around four main themes: Biological Assessment, Economic and Social Assessment, Drivers and Synergies, Policy and Governance.
“Inland fisheries place low demands on the environment, and are highly renewable resources with a low carbon footprint” said Lou Anna Simon, Michigan State University President, highlighting the role of Inland Fisheries in terms of long-term strategic development plans.
The role of Inland Fisheries as a valuable food resource was also pointed out: lakes and rivers fishing provides essential sources for nutrition, supporting the diet with healthy fat, protein and micronutrients contribution.
Ten Steps to Responsible Inland Fisheries
Freshwater, Fish and the Future: Proceedings of a global conference on inland fisheries (free PDF download)
Freshwater, Fish and the Future: Proceedings of the Global Cross-Sectoral Conference (purchase a print copy)