Underwater Farms: A Sustainable Solution for Climate Change and Food Security

For billions worldwide, seafood is a crucial source of protein and nutrition. However, with wild fisheries facing overfishing and reaching maximum capacity, a significant portion of our seafood now comes from aquaculture, or aquatic farming. While this industry is rapidly growing, it's essential to address the environmental concerns associated with traditional farming methods.

The Problems with Traditional Aquaculture

Traditional aquaculture methods often mirror the issues found in industrial agriculture. Two common approaches, net pens and coastal ponds, present several challenges:

• Net Pens: These large, offshore cages can lead to overcrowded and stressful conditions for farmed fish. The resulting waste pollutes the surrounding waters and increases the risk of disease outbreaks, potentially affecting wild species. Furthermore, the antibiotics used to combat diseases can be released back into the environment.
• Coastal Ponds: Commonly used for shrimp farming, these man-made ponds contribute to pollution and disease spread. Their construction often involves the destruction of vital ecosystems like mangroves and marshes, which protect coastlines, provide habitats, and absorb greenhouse gases.

Escaped fish from both net pens and coastal ponds pose a threat to local ecosystems. They compete with native species for resources and can weaken the gene pool, potentially disrupting the natural balance.

Land-Based Solutions and the Fishmeal Dilemma

One alternative is farming fish on land in completely contained systems. Tanks and raceways can recirculate and filter water, minimizing pollution. However, even these facilities face the challenge of fishmeal.

Approximately 10% of the seafood caught globally is used to feed farmed animals, including carnivorous fish. While researchers are exploring alternative feeds made from insects and plant-based proteins, many inland fish farms remain linked to overfishing.

Restorative Ocean Farming: A Promising Solution

Despite the obstacles, innovative farmers are pioneering sustainable aquaculture practices. One of the most promising approaches is to focus on species lower on the food chain, such as shellfish and seaweed.

These low-maintenance organisms offer several advantages:

• They don't require feeding, as they naturally filter water and absorb nutrients from the seawater.
• They improve water quality by removing excess nutrients.
• Through photosynthesis, they absorb carbon, helping to combat climate change and reduce ocean acidification.
• They create habitats for other marine species to thrive.

The Potential of Seaweed and Shellfish Farming

Restorative ocean farming offers a path towards sustainable seafood production while benefiting the environment. By cultivating shellfish and seaweed, we can create jobs for coastal communities and promote plant and shellfish-based diets with a low carbon footprint.

In just five months, 4,000 square meters of ocean can yield 25 tons of seaweed and 250,000 shellfish. With an effective distribution network, a network of small farms, collectively the size of Washington State, could potentially feed the entire planet.

A Sustainable Future for Aquaculture

As more and more of these farms emerge worldwide, a new generation of farmers is embracing a more sustainable future. When implemented responsibly, regenerative ocean farming can play a crucial role in protecting our oceans, mitigating climate change, and ensuring food security for generations to come.