Interventions for improving the productivity and environmental performance of global aquaculture for future food security

Abstract

Aquatic foods are increasingly being recognized as having an important role to play in an environmentally sustainable and nutritionally sufficient food system. Proposals for increasing aquatic food production often center around species, environments, and ambitious hi-tech solutions that mainly will benefit the 16% of the global population living in high-income countries. Meanwhile, most aquaculture species and systems suffer from large performance gaps, meaning that targeted interventions and investments could significantly boost aquatic food supply and access to nutritious foods without a concomitant increase in environmental footprints. Here we contend that the dialogue around aquatic foods should pay greater attention to identifying and implementing interventions to improve the productivity and environmental performance of low-value commodity species that have been relatively overlooked in this regard to date. We detail a range of available technical and institutional intervention options and evaluate their potential for increasing the output and environmental performance of global aquaculture.

Projecting global mariculture production and adaptation pathways under climate change

“…Such practises could mitigate the impact of climate change on mariculture production, thereby increasing productivity in the future. For instance, a well‐managed selective breeding practice could ensure robust farming of species outside their environmental suitability range or improve their feed efficiency for minimal aquafeed for optimal growth (Henriksson et al, 2021; Reid et al, 2019; Sae‐Lim et al, 2017). In major mariculture producing countries such as Chile, China, Norway and New Zealand, novel genomic techniques have been incorporated into selective breeding programs (Rye et al, 2010; Sonesson & Meuwissen, 2009).…”

Farm‐scale models in fish aquaculture – An overview of methods and applications

“…Much of this performance gap could be closed by keeping better records, along with monitoring water quality. 236 As mentioned, FSMs can be useful tools A second strategy to decrease environmental impacts of fed-fish farming systems is to design innovative formulations that incorporate more sustainable ingredients. Ingredients used in aquafeed differ in their nutrient profiles and environmental impacts.…”

“…233,241 Similarly, livestock by-product meals have several advantages, including a high protein content and well-balanced amino acid profile, but can have a high ash content and may carry environmental burdens associated with livestock production. 236 One major challenge for enhancing the sustainability of aquafeed is, thus, to design new eco-efficient aquafeeds based on alternative ingredients that can meet fish nutritional requirements, reduce the overall pressure on marine and land ecosystems and contribute less to climate change. FSMs can influence the design of innovative eco-friendly feed formulations.…”

Promoting Sustainable Smallholder Aquaculture Productivity Through Landscape and Seascape Aquapark Models: A Case Study of Busia County, Kenya

“…There have been growing calls for sustainable intensification of culture systems to improve aquaculture productivity and environmental sustainability through efficient delivery of technologies, innovations, and management practices (TIMPs). Yet, aquaculture production among smallholder farmers suffers from performance gaps, hence the need for sustainable and cost-effective interventions and investments that could significantly boost aquatic food supply and access to nutritious foods among the smallholder farmers (Henriksson et al, 2021).…”