In a landmark shift for global food production, aquaculture has overtaken wild fisheries in the total volume of aquatic animals produced, marking a significant milestone in the efforts to meet the world's growing food demands sustainably.
The Rise of Aquaculture (Photo : VIKEN KANTARCI/AFP via Getty Images)
For the first time in history, the cultivation of aquatic animals-known as aquaculture-has produced more for human consumption than what has been captured from the wild.
In 2022, aquaculture accounted for 94.4 million tonnes, representing 51 percent of the total aquatic animal production and 57 percent of the food destined for human tables.
This increase is a response to the stagnant production from wild fisheries, which has remained largely unchanged for decades.
The United Nations's Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) highlighted the importance of sustainable production to ensure healthy diets for the growing global population.
Sustainability at the Forefront
The sustainability of wild fishery resources continues to be a pressing concern. The proportion of marine stocks fished within biologically sustainable levels has decreased to 62.3 percent in 2021, down from 64.6 percent in 2019. This calls for urgent action to conserve and rebuild fishery stocks.
Aquaculture's growth, particularly in Africa, is seen as a key solution to providing sufficient food, nutrition, and livelihoods for the world's population, which is projected to reach 8.5 billion by 2030.
However, the sector faces challenges from climate change, water scarcity, pollution, and biodiversity loss.
A Call for Global Action
The report's release coincides with a preparatory meeting for the third UN Ocean Conference, set to take place in France in 2025.
The conference aims to address the critical state of the world's oceans and the imperative of protecting them for future generations.
As aquaculture takes the lead in the global food market, generating a record $195 billion in 2022, the world is called upon to invest in sustainable practices that will secure the future of food production without compromising the health of our planet,
Aquaculture, the practice of cultivating aquatic animals and plants for food, has a complex environmental impact that varies widely depending on the methods and species farmed. Here's an overview of the key environmental considerations associated with aquaculture:
Nutrient and Waste Management
One of the primary concerns with aquaculture is the accumulation of nutrients and waste products, which can lead to water pollution.
High densities of fish in aquaculture systems produce significant amounts of waste, which can deplete oxygen levels and create algal blooms, resulting in dead zones where aquatic life cannot survive.
Use of Chemicals
To prevent disease and promote growth, some aquaculture operations use antibiotics and other chemicals. These substances can affect the surrounding ecosystems, potentially impacting wild fish populations and contributing to antibiotic resistance.
Habitat Alteration
Aquaculture can also lead to habitat alteration, especially when mangroves or other sensitive areas are cleared for shrimp or fish farming. This can have a detrimental effect on local biodiversity and the services provided by these ecosystems.
Escapes and Invasive Species
There is also the risk of farmed species escaping into the wild, which can lead to competition with native species for resources and potentially alter local ecosystems. Non-native species can become invasive and displace indigenous wildlife.
Positive Impacts
However, it's important to note that aquaculture also has potential environmental benefits.
For example, shellfish and seaweed farming can improve water quality by filtering out excess nutrients and providing habitat for other marine life.
Additionally, aquaculture requires less land and freshwater and has a smaller carbon footprint compared to traditional livestock farming.
Sustainable Practices
The environmental impact of aquaculture is being mitigated through sustainable practices.
Advances in technology, such as automated feeding systems and improved feed formulas, have reduced waste and improved efficiency.
Regulatory measures and certifications are also in place to ensure that aquaculture operations minimize their environmental footprint
