Scientists and activists have sounded the alarm that humans’ appetite for seafood is outpacing what fishermen can sustainably catch. In fact, in a study released last year, research suggests there is space on the open ocean for sustainably farming essentially all of the seafood humans can eat. A team of scientists led by Halley Froehlich and Rebecca Gentry, of the University of California, Santa Barbara, found that wide scale certifiable aquaculture utilizing ocean coastal waters could outproduce.

The oceans are 90% depleted, and animal protein raised on land is unsustainable. The U.N., by proxy, has said that the only way to meet the protein demand for a growing population must be done through aquaculture. Froehlich believes seafood consumption will eventually replace a considerable amount of land-based meat production. The result is that this will alleviate agricultural pressures on land and water resources.

As the planet, whose human population is projected to reach 10 billion by 2050, continues to stretch to support it, aquaculture continues to be one of the most important and viable solutions. Marine aquaculture could produce 16.5 billion tons of fish per year, or about 4,000 pounds per person.

BENEFITS OF SUSTAINABLY FARMED FISH

Farmed fish are the least impactful form of animal protein production in the world.

Through our collective efforts, we can make a huge impact in an effort to preserve both fishing and farming as viable options for the future. Everyone must commit to sustainability, our health, and the health of our oceans.