Realizing the Potential of Aquaculture: Undertaking the Wicked Problems of Climate Change, Fed Production Systems and Global Food Security

Aquaculture has proven to be a vital and very efficient source of animal protein to meet the food demands of the ongoing increase in the global human population. In response to the rising accumulation of atmospheric greenhouse gases (GHG), principally of anthropomorphic origin from use of fossil fuel energy sources, global oceanic and atmospheric temperatures have risen to cataclysmic levels that have produced dramatic changes in climate. Aquaculture, like all animal production systems is a contributor to global GHG, and strategies must be introduced to mitigate current and future threats of climatic disruptions. Important pathways to reduce carbon footprint contributions include increases in efficiency of production and appropriate choice of ingredients for manufacture of sustainable aquafeed. For fed production systems, use of feed grade rather than food grade sources of ingredients must typically predominate. Additionally, use of waste consistent with circular bioeconomy concepts and the guidance provided through results of life cycle assessment (LCA) must be applied to aquafeed production. An integral connection of these efforts with a timely transformation from use of fossil fuel to renewable sources of energy is essential. Achieving sufficient reductions in both aquaculture's carbon footprint and fossil fuel use within the next 25 years should determine whether the projected contribution of aquaculture to global food security is realized.