It is observed that promoting ocean aquaculture, even in closed containment systems, to meet our growing seafood demand is shortsighted. Ocean aquaculture could have devastating long-term consequences for fishermen and fishing communities. According to a report published by Food & Water Watch, a national consumer organization, that review social, economic and ecological impacts from fish farming.
It is found that in the 1990s, in Scotland, Norway and British Columbia, salmon production dramatically expanded, but due to increased mechanization, no new jobs were created and in some places unemployment increased. From 1992 to 2001, the Alaskan salmon harvest value plunged more than 60 percent, from $600 million to around $200 million. As farmed product flooded the market prices crashed and many fishermen were forced out of business.
Alexander “Sascha” Bollag, a legislative coordinator of Food & Water Watch and an admitted student to the Graduate School of Arts and Sciences, wrote that prices have since recovered, thanks to intense marketing efforts, but many fishermen were permanently displaced. He also said that 80 percent of the seafood consumed in the United States is imported. It is not for lack of product. Ironically, the United States exports 71 percent of domestically produced seafood.
But not all aquaculture is created equal. Scientists and entrepreneurs are developing new land-based, re-circulating aquaculture systems. Bollag believes that the United States should be leading the way for truly sustainable aquaculture that is both ecologically and economically sound, to protect the marine environment.
