Fish Farming Is The Sustainable Solution To Overfishing

Overfishing has put exorbitant stress on our oceans. But there is a solution: Aquaculture—otherwise known as fish farming—is the practice of growing and harvesting fish in a controlled, regulated and safe environment. When done responsibly, aquaculture can protect vital ecosystems and sustainably feed a growing population. Yet dated misconceptions still dampen the industry.

The seafood industry nourishes more than 3 billion people and provides income for over 10% of the world’s population. But more than one-third of the world’s fisheries are overfished and 58% are exploited. Unsustainable fishing practices cause $80 billion worth of ecosystem damage each year.

Fortunately, there is a way to sustainably and ethically supply fish to a growing population. Transitioning from conventional fishing to aquaculture can help preserve aquatic ecosystems and lower emissions. Per gram of protein, farmed fish produces one-sixth of the emissions of beef and is more sustainable than pork, lamb, dairy and poultry.

Still, many media outlets and documentaries demonize fish farming by cherry-picking the worst examples. Modern fish farming looks very different from decades ago. So I wanted to take an opportunity to address some of the most common misconceptions.