Is aquaculture sustainable?
Yes, when done correctly. As a global society, we are around 7.5 billion people who are on track for 9.5 billion by 2050. Not only does this present the problem of another 2 billion mouths to feed, but human diets are also increasingly changing in line with growing prosperity. Consequently, the forecast that current global aquaculture production is expected to nearly double by the middle of this century makes long-term food and nutrition security one of the most pressing challenges we face today.
As the world's most efficient protein generator, aquaculture is one of the most important long-term growth areas for food production. According to the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), aquaculture continues to grow faster than any other major food sector and is expected to provide 60% of the fish available for human consumption by 2030. Global production is forecast to reach 109 million tonnes by this date, representing an increase of 37% compared to current levels (Source: 'The State of World Fisheries and Aquaculture', FAO 2018).
Aquaculture is capable of producing large volumes of high-quality, healthy and traceable seafood. Compared to land-based livestock, the aquaculture industry has a low carbon footprint and feed conversion ratio (FCR); It also has high protein and energy retention, and a harvested edible yield compared to other main course proteins. This makes it a solid model for how proteins should be grown in the future.
In addition to controlling the efficient utilisation of specific nutrients, the combination of high-specification diets with the application of optimal feeding has facilitated a steady reduction of feed conversion ratios (FCR). A better FCR has direct consequences on the rearing environment and water quality through a reduction of feed waste. This improved control of the farming system as a whole (feed in, water quality, feed waste, health status of animals etc.) allows fish and shrimp farmers to maintain more efficient production levels while lowering their impact on the environment. This is an ideal approach to increase further aquaculture production volumes in a sustainable manner.
To further facilitate sustainable aquaculture and live up to our responsibilities and ambitions, Skretting adheres to the vision and actions provided by our global sustainability programme throughout our business. The programme has also been aligned with the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), which define global sustainability priorities and seek to mobilise efforts around a common set of targets.