Fish Farming Part 2: Socio-Economic Necessity? (BI2MBC Autumn 2022) PDF

Marine Biology and Conservation Fish farming: Socio-Economic Necessity?...

Marine Biology and Conservation Fish farming: Socio-Economic Necessity? Part 2. Socioeconomic constraints. Mitigation BI2MBC Autumn 2022 Dr Graham Luke and future prospects  In much of the following, the statistics sometimes refer to the total production figures of marine fishery and aquaculture industries together. This total includes fin-fish, other Notes shell-fish” (e.g., shrimp), other animal harvests (e.g. turtles, oysters), and non-animal harvests (e.g. seaweed). There is a distinction between human consumption and human use. When so much about it is bad, Why Do It?  When so much about it is bad, Why Do It? mand for a vital product - protein. Food Sec 3.2 billion people - about 20% intake of animal protein. 50% + in some countries. Read this brief article Nature 574, 41- 42 (2019) doi: https://doi.org/10.1038/d41586-019- 02810-2 Primary or near only Demand is increasing Increase in utilization is approx. 3.2% p.a. Population is increasing 1.6% p.a.  When so much about it is bad, Why Do It? cio-economics - livelihood for many people  When so much about it is bad, Why Do It? cio-economics - livelihood for many people 54.1 (57.5) million tonnes of finfish $138.5 ($146.1) 17.1 (17.7) million tonnes of molluscs $29.2 ($29.8) 7.9 (11.2) million tonnes of crustaceans $57.1 ($81.5) 0.93 (1.06) million tonnes others $5 ($6.8) Covid pandemic led to a drop in 2020-21, but has since rebounded above these figures. For estimates for global value of the market – see notes. Aqua Culture – Trend by Type  Aqua culture and Capture Fishery Compared Projection 2030 Production Human Consumption Aq 2022 51% production, 57% consumption Figures are underestimated – see  Socioeconomics “The fisheries and aquaculture value chain extends from harvesting through to processing and marketing. The sector provides income and employment for an estimated 250 million people and, as a consequence, it is central for ensuring the livelihoods of a substantial proportion of the world’s population. This is particularly relevant in developing countries. In some instances, small-scale and subsistence fisheries may provide the principle source of income for entire communities, providing economic resilience where often sources of alternative employment are limited or non-existent” Economic Value of Marine Harvest Industry Figures range from around $200 to $700b in 2024 When so much about it is bad, Why Do It?  When so much about it is bad, Why Do It? pture fisheries are already non-sustainable  When so much about it is bad, Why Do It? pture fisheries are already non-sustainable Some regions significantly worse on sustainability Wild fish populations are struggling Pollution Overfishing Illegal and unregulated Current global fishing capture Destructive, ecologically practice is damaging practices unsustainable Ghost fishing Climate change. Ocean acidification  Aquaculture helps stabilize demand  The Problems of Upscaling ENVIRONMENTAL ESCAPE Methodology SUESTAINABILITY DISEASE & WELFARE  A necessary evil? If we are stuck with it, what do we do with it? REFORM REFINE AND RESEARCH REGULATE IMPROVE  Unsustainable and Inequitable Practices Catch a fish (from my neighbour) to feed a fish Sustainability – Requires Regulatory Compliance 1st World Fisheries and Aquaculture is highly regulated.  Refine and Improve Aquaculture Methodology Based on Research Offshore Aquaculture https://e360.yale.edu/features/can-deepwater-aquaculture-avoid-the-pitfalls-of-coastal-fish-f arms Big investment, Big claims… Offshore Aquaculture - A Panacea or too good to be true? https://doi.org/10.1016/j.marenvres.2010.09.005 doi: 10.3354/aei00007 Hi-Tech solutions are a first world luxury Many concerns and questions Alternative approaches? IMTA –Integrated Multi-Trophic Aquaculture Farming of several species from different trophic levels in the same area location Integrated culturing allows one species’ uneaten feed and waste to be recaptured and utilized by the other species, thus in theory… Efficient, effective Cleansing IMTA –Integrated Multi-Trophic Aquaculture Fed species (finfish, shrimp) Inorganic extractive species (seaweeds) Organic extractive species (suspension and https://youtu.be/zwWok5iqxj https://www.astral-project.eu/imta-lab-ir eland s benthic feeders https://www.astral-project.eu/imta-lab-s  Inland ASTRAL IMTA System - Brazil NB. Good land-based aquaculture is void of escape, disease and parasite problems. Listen to Costing the Earth podcast https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b099yh86 Commercial Pumped ASTRAL IMTA System – S Africa https://www.astral-project.eu/imta-lab-brazil https://youtu.be/zy0hcxXzSDQ  What about Genetically Modified/Engineered Aquaculture Species? Two in commercial production (Salmon, and Tilapia) Others in research/approval stage (e.g. Shrimp, Carp) Not much publicity about GM/GE farm animals Pros Cons Fast growth (less feed required Public disapproval (reducing) & reduced environmental based on hysterically low impact) probability of harm for human Potential – disease & parasite consumption Historically, for rich farming resistant (welfare improvement) economies only Low/negligible impact of Risks associated with escapes monoculture?  Summary: Aquaculture Pros and Cons Economic benefits at local and national level Relieves pressure on fish stocks High quality produce at high productivity Food security Efficient - Fish convert ~30% food to body mass. Polluting - at worst, disastrously so Escapes Welfare issues Unsustainable practices