The global production of farmed fish has exceeded the wild catch for the first time in history, according to a report from the UN’s Food and Agriculture Organization. The boom in aquaculture, largely concentrated in Asia, has allowed for increased consumption of fish, with the average person consuming over 20kg per year. This increase is seen as a positive for food availability without exploiting oceans, lakes, and rivers. However, environmental and animal welfare NGOs have raised concerns about unsustainable practices in aquaculture, particularly in the farming of carnivorous fin fish like salmon, sea bass, and sea bream.
The UN agency predicts that global aquaculture production will continue to rise significantly, reaching 111mn tonnes by 2032, compared to a more modest increase in wild-caught fish. This growth is necessary to provide sufficient protein for a growing global population and ensure food security. There is a particular emphasis on increasing aquaculture production in Africa, where fish consumption per person is lower than the global average. Despite claims that aquaculture harms local ecosystems, the FAO argues that the industry has evolved to minimize its impact on marine environments, with improved feed formulations reducing the need for fish meal from wild-caught species.
Critics of the aquaculture industry argue that sourcing feed for farmed fish from small species can harm food security in poorer countries. They also voice concerns about the overuse of antibiotics in aquaculture leading to drug-resistant pathogens, as well as the pollution and environmental harm caused by waste from fish farms. The FAO acknowledges these challenges but emphasizes the importance of ensuring sufficient, accessible, and healthy food for all. The organization has negotiated new guidelines for sustainable aquaculture, focusing on principles like biosecurity, disease control, and limiting environmental impacts.
Overall, the growth of aquaculture presents both opportunities and challenges for meeting the global demand for fish. While it provides a solution for food availability without further exploiting natural fisheries, concerns about sustainability, environmental impact, and food security need to be addressed. With the FAO working on guidelines to promote sustainable aquaculture practices, there is hope that the industry can continue to grow while minimizing its negative effects on the environment and local communities.
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