How to Make Aquaculture More Sustainable – Conclusions & Recommendations | YouTube inside

Introduction:

Welcome to the concluding episode of our comprehensive Sustainable Aquaculture series. Throughout our previous presentations, we thoroughly examined the immense environmental impact associated with aquaculture practices. We delved into the various scientific advancements that have been made in order to effectively alleviate and mitigate these detrimental effects on our ecosystem. Today, we raise the thought-provoking question, “Can Aquaculture truly be considered sustainable and economically feasible?” In response, we assert that with meticulous supervision, strategic planning, and minor adjustments, aquaculture has the potential to not only yield substantial profits but also promote environmental preservation and sustainability.

Sustainable aquaculture for SEA:

Sustainable aquaculture has the potential to play a significant role in meeting the growing demand for seafood in Southeast Asia (SEA), while also contributing to food security, economic development, and environmental protection.

The region is already a major producer of farmed seafood, accounting for over 80% of global shrimp production and a significant share of other aquaculture products such as finfish, seaweed, and molluscs. However, there are also a number of challenges associated with aquaculture in SEA, such as:

• Environmental impacts such as pollution, habitat destruction, and disease outbreaks
• Social impacts such as conflicts over land and water resources
• Economic impacts such as market fluctuations and competition from imported seafood

In order to address these challenges and promote sustainable aquaculture, a number of initiatives are underway in SEA. These include:

• The development and implementation of national and regional aquaculture standards
• The promotion of best management practices for aquaculture
• The support for research and development in sustainable aquaculture
• The engagement of stakeholders in aquaculture planning and management

Some examples of sustainable aquaculture practices in SEA include:

• The use of integrated multi-trophic aquaculture (IMTA) systems, which combine the production of different species of aquatic organisms in a way that minimizes waste and maximizes resource use
• The use of biofloc technology, which involves the cultivation of microorganisms in aquaculture ponds to improve water quality and reduce the need for external inputs
• The use of closed recirculating aquaculture systems (RAS), which allow for the production of seafood in land-based facilities with minimal environmental impact

Sustainable aquaculture has the potential to make a significant contribution to the sustainable development of SEA. By addressing the challenges associated with aquaculture and promoting sustainable practices, the region can ensure that aquaculture continues to be a source of food security, economic development, and environmental protection.

In addition to the above, here are some specific examples of sustainable aquaculture initiatives in SEA:

• The Sustainable Shrimp Partnership (SSP), which is a collaboration between WWF and the shrimp industry in Vietnam, Thailand, and Indonesia, is working to promote the adoption of sustainable shrimp farming practices.
• The Aquaculture Stewardship Council (ASC) is a certification scheme that recognizes and rewards responsible aquaculture practices. A number of aquaculture farms in SEA have been certified by the ASC.
• The SEAFish Responsible Fishing Scheme is a certification scheme that covers a range of seafood products, including farmed seafood. A number of aquaculture farms in SEA have been certified by SEAFish.

These initiatives are helping to promote sustainable aquaculture in SEA and contribute to the long-term viability of the sector.

Related Sections:

• Aquaculture’s Viability:
  1. Aquaculture is a viable option for global protein supply.
  2. Environmental impact can be minimized with proper management.
  3. It uses less land and produces fewer greenhouse gases compared to other animal culture methods.
• Calix’s Commitment:
  1. Calix is committed to the UN Sustainable Initiatives.
  2. They continuously improve their application methods and conduct research in aquaculture.
  3. Their initiatives align with various UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), addressing hunger, clean water, sustainability, climate action, and life below water.
• Calix’s Sustainable Approach:
  1. Calix offers techniques and products to maximize farmer yield while minimizing environmental impact.
  2. Ongoing research focuses on sludge digestion, nutrient release, and oxygen availability.
  3. These efforts align with UN SDGs, promoting a sustainable aquaculture industry.
• The Farmer’s Perspective:
  1. Calix introduces a green sustainable culture method.
  2. They utilize waste pond sludge, converting it to reduce environmental impact.
  3. This leads to increased revenue, improved harvest weight, reduced feed conversion ratio, and lower energy costs, aligning with UN sustainability goals.
• AQUA-Cal+ and Pollution Control:
  1. Calix’s unique chemistry in AQUA-Cal+ controls harmful pollutants in ponds.
  2. It reduces stress on aquatic animals, enhancing their disease resistance.
  3. Overall, it creates a win-win situation for all stakeholders.

Conclusion:

Sustainable aquaculture is a necessity for our planet’s future, requiring more than just feasibility considerations. It’s an essential measure to ensure our planet’s health. The role of innovative technologies and progressive attitudes is crucial in revolutionizing sectors like aquaculture and shrimp farming, transforming them into efficient, eco-friendly alternatives to traditional farming. However, technology alone isn’t enough. A forward-thinking perspective is required, understanding the delicate ecological balance and marine ecosystems. The aquaculture industry must grow without causing environmental degradation. Calix, committed to sustainability, has been developing solutions that could reshape the aquaculture industry. Their work extends beyond their own operations and impacts the wider industry, setting new benchmarks in sustainable aquaculture. They aim for practical application of their research, potentially revolutionizing environmental management in aquaculture. In summary, sustainable aquaculture is a necessary direction for our planet’s future, requiring innovative technologies and progressive mindsets. Companies like Calix, with their commitment to sustainability and innovative solutions, are key in shaping the industry’s future. Through their efforts and wider acceptance of sustainable aquaculture, we can safeguard our planet’s future.

Key Takeaway Points:

• Aquaculture can be sustainable and viable with responsible management and minor modifications.
• Calix is dedicated to UN Sustainable Initiatives and contributes to multiple SDGs.
• Their sustainable approaches benefit both farmers and the environment.
• AQUA-Cal+ aids in pollution control and animal health.
• Sustainable aquaculture is crucial for feeding a growing human population while protecting the environment.

Related References:

• United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)
• Calix’s AQUA-Cal+ product and solutions for sustainable aquaculture practices.