The future in fisheries is challenging indeed. We can foresee an increased awareness of the health aspects of seafood, which again may lead to an increased demand. This first and foremost illustrates the need to manage the fish stocks, but the big increase in demand can only be met by increased production in the world s aquaculture. This again requires an increased effort to utilise all parts of the fish, and through more effort to manage fish stocks that can supply the aquaculture with marine foodstuffs and especially marine fat. A healthy marine environment is fundamental to healthy fish stocks and to sustainable fisheries.
Monitoring is necessary to be able to document the status of the environment and to detect changes.
The future may give us more cost efficient methods than we have today. Computer technology and use of satellite imagery may be further developed. However, reducing the influx of harmful substances into the marine environment, either transported through water or airborne, is crucial. Sustainable development also means having regard for the energy cost of operations. Technology provides obvious possibilities to improve resource utilisation and energy efficiency.