16/01/14: Environmentally sustainable aquaculture production: a nutritionist's view

Dr Dominique P. Bureau

Below is an extract from the Aquaculture View column written by Dr Dominique P. Bureau, professor in Animal Nutrition and Aquaculture, University of Guelph, Canada and a member of the International Aquafeed editorial panel.

Rearing fish and crustaceans in an intensive manner involves the transformation of dietary inputs into fish biomass. This process generates waste, which in many cases can be difficult to contain and recover. The release of waste into aquatic ecosystems by aquaculture operations may result in nutrient enrichment of these ecosystems which, in turn, can potentially lead to environmental changes.

In North America and Europe, the potential (or hypothetical) environmental impacts that can be brought on by aquaculture have been a major issue raised (and highly publicised) by a number of environmental non-governmental agencies (eNGOs), environmental activists and various competing end-users (e.g. recreational users). I have always felt that the aquaculture sector constitutes an easy target in the poular press due to its status as a relatively new industry (a new kid on the block!).

I also believe that aquaculture has been targeted because a relatively small number of fish farming operators, notably salmon cage cultue operations on the east and west coasts Canada and the USA, are located in what can be described as 'playgrounds' for city dwellers.

Nonetheless, there is no point having sour grapes and we must effectively and ethically address challenges head on. There is a growing consensus around the world that aquaculture operations, notably those operating in sensitive areas should act in increasingly environmental and sociology-economically sustainable manners. 

Read the full column in International Aquafeed November/December 2013 here.