* By Dimitris Pafras and Thodoris Antoniou
Climate change is an urgent challenge that requires international cooperation. Since the signing of the Kyoto Protocol in 1997, the role of greenhouse gases (GHGs) and carbon has been emphasized. It is estimated that if emissions are not significantly reduced by 2030, global temperature increase could exceed 2°C, and even with low emissions, there is more than a 50% chance of a 1.5°C increase (IPCC, 2022).
The carbon footprint represents the total greenhouse gas emissions during the lifecycle of a person, organization, or product, measured in CO2 equivalents (Caro et al., 2015; Sun et al., 2023). In aquaculture, these emissions mainly result from energy-intensive activities such as water management, feed production, and product processing, releasing gases like CO2 and methane (Macleod et al., 2020). Given its high energy demands, the aquaculture industry’s carbon footprint is a critical environmental and societal issue.
The global aquaculture industry plays a key role in meeting humanity’s nutritional needs, providing a source of animal protein and other nutrients with a significantly lower carbon footprint than other traditional food production methods. As the world’s population grows and the demand for seafood increases, aquaculture is emerging as a sustainable and environmentally friendly alternative to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and enhance global food security.
The selection of species in aquaculture impacts the carbon footprint due to varying feed and water quality needs. Species with high feed consumption and strict water requirements result in larger environmental costs (Feng et al., 2023). For example, species needing fish meal and oil have high emissions. Choosing species with lower carbon footprints helps reduce environmental impact (Macleod et al., 2020). Feed production contributes over 70% of aquaculture emissions (Hognes et al., 2009). Farmed bivalves emit much less CO2 compared to wild-caught ones, and shrimp and salmon also show lower emissions when farmed.
Effective water quality management is vital for sustainable aquaculture, affecting both the ecosystem and carbon footprint. Proper control of nutrients and key parameters like pH and dissolved oxygen is essential for farmed species’ health and ecosystem balance (Bergman et al., 2020). Poor water quality can increase energy use for aeration and pumps, while improper waste management can reduce yields and harm the environment (Yang et al., 2018). Eco-friendly water management strategies reduce oxygen needs and carbon emissions, improving efficiency and sustainability in aquaculture.
Aquaculture and a Lower Carbon Footprint
Aquaculture has been recognized for its lower carbon emissions compared to other agricultural and livestock practices. According to data from the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), aquaculture produces about 245 million tons of CO₂ per year, accounting for just 0.49% of global greenhouse gas emissions. In comparison, emissions from terrestrial agriculture reach 400-660 million tons of CO₂ per year (Macleod et al., 2020).
This smaller carbon footprint is due to several factors, including the absence of emissions from land use change, improved feed conversion rates and reduced methane production from aquatic animal digestive systems. Thus, aquaculture is proving to be a sustainable solution for sustainable food production with less environmental impact.
The global emissions from aquaculture are lower than livestock.
Emission Reduction Strategies in Aquaculture
Aquaculture offers significant opportunities to reduce the carbon footprint through the implementation of innovative strategies. The development of sustainable practices, such as the use of renewable energy sources for farm operations and the optimization of water resource management, can further reduce greenhouse gas emissions. In addition, the application of green technologies, such as the development of sustainable feeds that require fewer resources and energy to produce, can improve feed conversion rates and reduce the environmental footprint of aquaculture.
In addition, strategies to enhance the nutritional performance of aquatic animals, combined with reducing discards and enhancing resource cycling, help to minimize environmental impacts. Initiatives to reduce methane emissions from the digestive systems of aquatic organisms, such as research into the use of alternative plant proteins in feed, are important steps towards sustainable development of the sector.
Socio-economic Benefits and Sustainability
Aquaculture has not only environmental benefits, but also significant socio-economic value. It provides jobs and supports local economies, especially in areas where other forms of agriculture are limited. By providing vital sources of protein, aquaculture enhances food security by reducing dependence on land-based agriculture and its associated environmental impacts. The growing global consumption of seafood highlights the need for sustainable and responsible production, which can be achieved through improved aquaculture practices.
Carbon footprint studies combined with emission reduction strategies are laying the foundations for further enhancing the sustainability of the sector, while aquaculture is increasingly recognized as a solution to reduce global emissions and enhance food production without degrading the environment.
Prospects for the Future of Aquaculture
The future of aquaculture looks very promising, with new technologies and innovative practices promising to make the sector even more sustainable. The development of green technologies and the implementation of sustainable aquaculture management practices will allow for an increase in the production of food with a low carbon footprint, while at the same time reducing the environmental impact of the industry.
Technological developments, combined with the implementation of green strategies, promise a sustainable future for aquaculture. Promoting the use of renewable energy, improving resource management and developing more efficient practices can ensure higher production at reduced environmental costs (Chen et al., 2022).
With these features, aquaculture is recognized as a key pillar in the transition to a green economy, boosting global food production while protecting the environment.
References and sources consulted by the author on the elaboration of this article are available under previous request to our editorial staff.
* Dimitris Pafras. PhD candidate in Marine Biology & Fisheries & Dynamics. Thodoris Antoniou. Hatchery manager, fish farming
