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The Aquaculture Industry: Feeding the Future, but at What Cost?

15 May 2024

Aquaculture, the farming of aquatic organisms, has become a vital source of food to meet the growing global demand for seafood. By 2020, aquaculture supplied over 50% of all fish consumed globally [1]. This rapid growth, however, has come with a significant environmental impact.


One of the major concerns is nutrient pollution. Uneaten fish feed and fish waste can lead to eutrophication, a process where excess nutrients like nitrogen and phosphorus cause excessive algal blooms. These blooms deplete oxygen levels in the water, creating dead zones where marine life struggles to survive. A 2023 study published in the journal "Science of the Total Environment" estimated that aquaculture contributes to 20% of global coastal eutrophication [2].


Another environmental impact is the escape of farmed fish. Open net-pen aquaculture, where fish are raised in cages in open water bodies, poses a risk of farmed fish escaping and interbreeding with wild populations. This can disrupt ecosystems and introduce diseases to wild fish stocks. A 2022 report by the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) suggests that escaped farmed fish can contribute to declines of up to 8% in wild fish populations of the same species [3].


Despite this challenges, SeaRanch Farms is set to transform aquaculture by using closed-loop recirculating aquaculture systems (RAS) to reduce waste and prevent nutrient pollution, thereby addressing significant environmental challenges. By integrating diverse species like shellfish and seaweed, SeaRanch Farms promotes biodiversity and improves water quality, creating a sustainable seafood production model that balances ecological health with growing global demand. Through technological innovation and responsible resource management, SeaRanch Farms aims to lead the aquaculture industry towards a more sustainable and resilient future.


Sources:

[1] The State of World Fisheries and Aquaculture 2022. Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations. FAO website

[2] Bjork, M., Short, F., McLeod, C., & Duarte, C. (2023). Contribution of aquaculture to eutrophication of coastal systems. Science of the Total Environment, 880, 156400. Science of the Total Environment journal website

[3] FAO. (2022). The State of Aquatic Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture. Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations. FAO website

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