Agriculture can help aquaculture become greener

Citation

Napier JA, Haslam RP, Olsen R, Tocher DR & Betancor MB (2020) Agriculture can help aquaculture become greener. Nature Food, 1, pp. 680-683. https://doi.org/10.1038/s43016-020-00182-9

Abstract
Aquaculture, the farming of fish and seafood, is recognized as a highly efficient system for producing protein for human consumption. In contrast, many terrestrial animal protein production systems are inefficient, impacting land use and exacerbating climate change. Humankind needs to adopt a more plant-centric diet, the only exception being fish consumed as both a source of protein and essential dietary nutrients such as omega-3 fatty acids. Here we consider the implications of such a transition, and the challenges that aquaculture must overcome to increase productivity within planetary boundaries. We consider how agriculture, specifically crops, can provide solutions for aquaculture, especially the sectors that are dependent on marine ingredients. For example, agriculture can provide experience with managing monocultures and new technologies such as genetically modified crops tailored specifically for use in aquaculture. We propose that a closer connection between agriculture and aquaculture will create a resilient food system capable of meeting increasing dietary and nutritional demands without exhausting planetary resources.

Keywords
Agriculture; Biotechnology; Plant sciences; Science, technology and society

Journal
Nature Food: Volume 1

• Accepted manuscript