Alternative Aquaculture Systems

Industry Overview

The Aquaculture industry blossomed rapidly, and became a significant supplier of food over the last couple of decades. Aqua Farming is now practiced worldwide, each year it increases in scope and significance. The aquaculture industry grew out of necessity, the chief reason being that the traditional practice of hunting and gathering of food by fishing became unsustainable in many areas of the world. Read More Here



Growth Trough Innovation

The need for change in seafood supply lead us to Aquaculture and now the need for changes in the way we farm fish has lead us to developing alternative methods to conduct aquaculture in a more sustainable manner. One of new technologies that are having a tremendous impact upon the way we farm fish is land based farming in enclosed tanks using water recycling systems. Read More Here

An innovative combination of fish and vegetable farming methods that is experiencing renewed interest and rapid growth around the world is Aquaponics. This farming method is essentially the rebirth of age old practices and is now used to farm vegetables, herbs and fish synergistically. It is an eco-friendly way to naturally produce quality food for home use or for sale. This scalable farming method is being embraced by many small home growers and even large operations that are using the process and methods as a means of producing sustainable fish and plant crops. Read More Here

Aquaculture Industry Size

Aquaculture, probably the fastest growing food-producing sector, now accounts for nearly 50 percent of the world's food fish. The reason for this is very simple, aqua farming is the best and most sustainable method to meet the demand for fresh seafood products that our population creates. It is now a widely held view that the worldwide biomass of wild fish and shellfish (stocks) are continuing to be depleted at a rate that surprises even those scientists that made dire predictions a few short years ago. Read More Here.

Sustainability and Aquaculture

People have been farming fish for thousands of years. Today, a wide range of plants and animals are grown in aquaculture farms both on a commercial scale and subsistence level. As a result of the growing world population and a shift in western societies towards healthier eating patterns commercial scale fish farming has had to expand to fill the need for fresh fish and seafood. Aquaculture is well suited to meeting this increasing demand for seafood. Out of need, we realized as a society, centuries ago, that we could not sustain ourselves with hunting and gathering of land foods. Much the same today, we must also face the very same facts when it comes to harvest of the waters.

Commercial scale fish farmers and western consumers are not the only beneficiaries of increased aquaculture production. Several low-income food-deficit countries are big aquaculture producers. In these countries aquaculture contributes to poverty alleviation and to the enhanced supply of fish products to poor people in rural and urban areas.

In addition to the massive direct food production benefits, fish farming technologies also play a supporting role to the wild fishery by making possible fish restocking and enhancement activities and by filling a complimentary niche in export markets. Indeed the sharp decline in some “wild fish Stocks” is mitigated in part by supplemental production of young seed stock in hatcheries.

The inherent efficiencies of farming versus fishing for the wild catch (hunting) will continue to further a progressive switch from fishing to fish farming. In the late 1990’s the FAO estimated that the cost of catching fish in the wild, on a global basis, was already about 25% higher than the true value of the catch. Much of the difference was made up in subsidies and other forms of financial support.

Alternative Production Methods and Advancements in Aquaculture

Land based aquaculture is a food sector that is sustainable, renewable and provides safe high quality food products to consumers while creating considerable benefits for the general population. Based on science and technology, it is a market driven sector that has emerged to provide consumers with value, taste and convenience in consumption of seafood and other Aquatic products similar to that expected from other food commodities.

Aqua Farming requires clean growing waters to maintain a satisfactory level of production. Therefore, the industry has to encourage environmentally friendly practices and has taken many practical steps to protect the local environment. In fact without ensuring protection of the environment, the industry itself would flounder. Such safeguards include government measures controlling the introduction of new species and the transfer of fish, fish health protection, better site selection, and actions to minimize fish escapes and prevent waste discharges.

Land based fish farms that utilize technology to recycle and reuse water supplies and to prevent waste discharge and fish escapement are among the most eco-friendly and sustainable methods of aquaculture. Farms that incorporate water recirculation aquaculture systems into their design are proven to be the most eco-friendly of all commercial fish farms.

Taking these systems one step further involves the incorporation of polyculture techniques, where plant crops are grown with the nutrients produced by the fish crop. This is known as Aquaponics a farming technique that is becoming more common in the design of both small and larger scale farms. Land based farms using Aquaponics is one of the most promising of alternative aquaculture practices.

Aquaculture books and reference materials.

Global Aquaculture Outlook 2010

Global Conference on Aquaculture 2010 - FAO publication releases.

The Fisheries and Aquaculture Department of FAO published seven technical documents on aquaculture which are of global relevance. These documents can be found at this link.

The FAO states that these Regional Reviews and the Global Synthesis can be of pertinent use to national governments, regional organizations, policy makers, farmers, investors, civil society organizations, research and training institutions and the general public.

I, like many others, am busy reading these publications in my spare time and hoping to gain some helpful insights and fresh data from the reports. 

From my limited review of the 2010 publications to date; one thing that certainly stands out is that the industry continues to grow based on need and demand for sustainable fish supplies by the world population. Here is a quote from “State of world aquaculture 2010"

Global production of fish from aquaculture has grown substantially in the past decade, reaching 52.5 million tonnes in 2008, compared with 32.4 million tonnes in 2000. Aquaculture continues to be the fastest-growing animal food producing sector and currently accounts for nearly half (45.6 percent) of the world’s food fish consumption, compared with 33.8 percent in 2000. With stagnating global capture fishery production and an increasing population, aquaculture is perceived as having the greatest potential to produce more fish in the future to meet the growing demand for safe and quality aquatic food.

According to FAO, it is estimated that by 2012 more than 50 percent of global food fish consumption will originate from aquaculture.

Link to Quote

With all this fresh data and some review time I hope to make more posts and comments on the state of affairs. I hope that you do also, feel free to comment here.

Farmed Shrimp from South Asia - in the News

A recent story in the Globe and Mail titled: The big challenge in making farmed shrimp safe to eat, states that Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA), continues to find illegal substances in samples of shrimp imported from Thailand.  The story by JESSICA LEEDER — Global Food Reporter, in Monday’s 2010-11-22 globe and mail also points out that recent sample checks, by the CFIA on Thai imports have uncovered residues of antibiotics deemed illegal for food production in Canada and the United States.

Although the Canadian Food Inspection Agency only scans a fraction of incoming seafood – five per cent is the agency’s target – inspectors are still finding tetracyclines (antibiotics commonly used to treat acne) nitrofurans (an antimicrobial drug and known carcinogen banned in Canada) and fluoroquinolones (broad-spectrum antibiotics used in human medicine) in the shipments they test. None should be consumed by humans. They’re also supposed to be illegal in Thailand, a global shrimp farming giant that pledged years ago to flush drugs out of its system, which yields 550,000 tons of shrimp per year.

 “We can’t inspect one hundred per cent of every piece of fish that comes in the country, otherwise there won’t be anything to eat,” said Jeanelle Boudreau, a fish policy officer with the CFIA’s fish and seafood network. The agency is constantly adjusting its inspections to focus on “areas where there might be more issues for non-compliance,” she said.

The full Globe and mail Story can be read at this link.

“In general, it would be fair to say it [antibiotic use] has fallen dramatically in shrimp farms around the world,” said Peter Bridson, manager of the Seafood Watch Program a the Center for the Future of Oceans at the Monterey Bay Aquarium in California. “That doesn’t mean to say it’s good now,” said Mr. Bridson, who also sits on the Shrimp Aquaculture Dialogue steering committee. “It’s just that it was horrific before.” 

The Thailand shrimp farming industry is made up of thousands of small farmers. The Thai department of fisheries states that it has undertaken a major campaign to educate farmers on best practices, however reducing yield losses often outweighs concerns over sustainability. The use of Antibiotics to keep stock from becoming ill remains a tempting option to the small farmer hoping to get the best yield. Clearly more education on sustainable and chemical free farming methods is needed.

One thing you can do as a consumer is monitor what you buy and where it comes from. Buy what you trust and have the best available information on. If possible opt for foods Labeled organic or from known sustainable sources. 

Moratorium on Aquaculture Licenses in British Columbia - Will it lead to Benefits ?

An article in the Vancouver Sun Jan 28, 2010 states that B.C. has slapped a moratorium on issuing new finfish aquaculture licences and won't accept new applications for shellfish aquaculture, the province announced Thursday.

The move follows a court decision on Tuesday in which the B.C. Supreme Court granted an extension to the transfer deadline for finfish aquaculture to federal regulation until Dec. 18, 2010. As part of this extension, the court ordered a suspension on approvals of all new marine finfish licenses in B.C.

Full Story Link

A related story by Mike Barber of Canwest news service Sept 9 , 2010 titled "Diversity needed on Canada's fish farms, researcher says"

Talks about the Need for Canada to diversify into production of alternative aquaculture species. That article points out that half the fish the world eats is now raised on farms, presenting an opportunity for Canada to exploit a growing global hunger for seafood, according to a study published in the online edition of the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences by a team of international researchers.

But critics say Canada is ill-prepared to cash in on the growing trend because of a fixation on farming salmon -- a species that is expensive to raise, takes a long time to grow and is not to the taste of people in the world's rapidly developing markets.

Tony Farrell, one of the report's contributors, said the findings indicate a demand for protein-rich, affordable fish.

"The world is not eating wild fish, and they're switching to cultured fish," said Farrell, chairman of the University of B.C.'s Centre for Aquaculture and Environmental Research. "Canada can either move with the times, or not. As an exporting nation, we need to make decisions about this."

But relying on salmon -- carnivores that take more than two years to mature -- as the country's chief farmed fish would likely prevent the Canadian aquaculture industry from harnessing the continued growth, said Farrell.

"I think diversification is a great way of thinking about this. You put all your stocks and bonds in one thing, and when it crashes, you'll have a rude awakening," Farrell said. Full Story

This blog has always promoted alternative aquaculture systems and the need for further development of other species. While there are many issues effecting the industry two of the main concerns are the potential for environmental conflicts and the need to address sustainable industry growth.

Diversification into alternative farm designs producing other species using sustainable and intregrated methods, is certainly an area that needs attention.

Realted Items: Land based Fish Farms | Aquaponics Technologies

Aquaponics use in sustainable fish and plant farming

Aquaponics use in sustainable fish and plant farming

This post provides a quick review of the NorthernAquaFarmsCom recently updated web page containing an introductory article that describes aquaponics in simple terms.

The Following is an exert from the article:

Modern day aquaponics is essentially the rebirth of age old practices to farm vegetables, herbs and fish in a self contained eco-system. It is an eco-friendly way to naturally produce quality food for home use or for sale. This scalable farming method is experiencing renewed interest worldwide with many small home growers and large operations employing the process as a means of producing sustainable fish and plant crops. Read More

Northern Aqua farms has also added a new web store offering a wide range of Aqua Farming and Hobby farming Books, Ready to assemble Home Aquaponics Systems, outdoor apparel and outdoor equipment and gear.

Newfoundland and Aquaculture Training

New aquaculture program to start in August.

I am always on the look out for news relating to Aquaculture. I also have a self admitted fondness for reading about new things or events that demonstrate an educational improvement.

Recently I read a news story in "The coaster Online" and here is what I think.

First off, It's good news that the Keyin College will be offering it's first ever Aquaculture program at St. Alban’s Newfoundland, in August 2007. Early indications are that it is comprehensive program.

The press release states "'' The new program is designed to introduce students to the history of aquaculture, give them an overview of the state of the aquaculture industry and to prepare them for all facets of the industry which is growing rapidly, especially in the Coast of Bays region.""

Heidi Middleton, human resources manger with Cooke Aquaculture said "their hiring practice will give preference to candidates with a background in the industry".

Cooke Aquaculture is a significant stakeholder in the Atlantic Canada Aquaculture industry. The company in recent years, has enlarged it's business by expanding into new locations and diversifying it's operations.

Heidi goes on to say " A candidate can gain experience in the industry in one of two ways: by obtaining an Aquaculture Technician Certificate through a recognized learning institute like Keyin College or adequate years of hands-on industry experience. These employees will be compensated at a higher starting rate."

She also notes that " many existing Cooke Managers possess an Aquaculture Technician accreditation."

The press release also points out "Once they complete the program students will have the skills to become aquaculture technicians with the opportunity to obtain long-term employment in one of the growing industries in the province. Cooke Aquaculture has invested millions into its operations in the region, as well as companies such as the Barry Group of Companies."

I see this new program as another welcome sign of advancement within Aquaculture Industry, particularly as it relates to my home province. (I am not shy)

Certainly the duration of the program is lengthy enough to provide for a wide range of learning opportunities covering the important aspects of the industry. Experience has thought me that training programs which include a good effort at providing a backgrounder to the history and nature of the industry, combined with the fundamentals of practice, offer more for "both" the students and prospective employers.

Persons that achieve a good working knowledge of the industry while gaining an understanding of the history and of it's present day importance as a sustainable food source, are in my opinion "The Class Act", and represent the future of the industry.

I look forward reading future updates of this program and it's progress.

News Story Reference: Special To the Coaster June 5 20007

Responsible Aquaculture Program

I spent time lately reading many of the arguments "pro and con" that that seem to pop up when Aquaculture is the topic. Numerous opinions have been expressed and there doesn't appear to be a shortage of media attention in certain areas. That robust activity is welcome. It exists in discussions of any industry or of any practice. As educated consumers we are entitled to review information, decide one way or another and make our choices.

Aquaculture isn’t a new idea, people have practiced Aquaculture for a few thousand years, yet in the modern world today, we still debate just about every news release on the subject. Sometimes we read news statements that are generally based in fact and other statements that contain a few elements of truth designed and emphasized to trigger certain feelings within the population.

Sadly there are a few attention focused presentations within the media that carry very little true research value or census value, and lean toward a more mumble and jumble “argument” that almost always attempts to pigeon hole an industry while presenting the “we told you so attitude” directed at the normal consumer. The reasoning behind this isn’t within my ability to explain.

Last year I wrote a few pages concerning the history and needs satisfied by Aquaculture. In other writings I also talked about the need for improvement.

The Global Aquaculture Alliance efforts to improve the way that Aquaculture is conducted should not go un-noticed.

Statements from the website:

The Responsible Aquaculture Program was developed to promote best management practices for aquaculture operators. The RAP program encourages the culture of safe, wholesome seafood in an environmentally and socially responsible manner. More importantly, it is also intended to improve the efficiency and long-term sustainability of the aquaculture industry.

The Responsible Aquaculture Program began as a straightforward set of "Guiding Principles for Responsible Aquaculture" that promote a cooperative approach to establishing aquaculture operations that reflect environmental, economic, and social sustainability. The principles call for minimal ecological impacts, water conservation, improved feed and drug use, and reductions in effluents.

The Global Aquaculture Alliance is an international, nonprofit trade association dedicated to advancing environmentally and socially responsible aquaculture. GAA recognizes that aquaculture "the culture and farming of fish, shellfish and other aquatic organisms" is the only sustainable means of increasing seafood supply to meet growing food needs.””

Give the link a look.

If we didn’t farm anything period, full stop, where would we be? Can we feed 6 billion people on politics or advertising? Everyday people supply veggies, meats and fish to the world. Managing the resources will play a major factor in the future. Increasing the "food" and ecomonic value of the resources is a factor best left out of media spins.



Rob Freeman

No Catch Cod is Branded

Sustainable seafood firm adds cod brand
by Jennifer Whitehead Marketing 24 May 2006

LONDON - Johnson Sustainable Seafoods is launching a fresh fish brand called No Catch ...Just Cod, targeting ethically aware, health-conscious shoppers.

No Catch, which will be available in Tesco from 29 May, comes from the world's biggest cod hatchery in Shetland. The fish are fed offcuts of fish already harvested and have no contact with pesticides or dyes.

The packaging, through brand and design consultancy Bryt, is a departure from traditional fish branding and highlights the brand's ethical credentials. The packaging emphasises the product's origins and that it is "tasty, totally natural fish". It adds that it is the world's first organic, sustainable cod and uses the line "Good for you, great for fish".

Although cod is a favourite among consumers, there has been concern about its rapidly diminishing stocks, leading to restrictions on cod fishing in the Irish Sea, North Sea and off West Scotland.

Source: DesignBulletin

Fish farm forced to close?

David DeKok

One of the larger and more successful commercial fish farms in the northeastern U.S. might be forced to shut down its operations on the Susquehanna River.

PPL Corp. needs to build cooling towers for its power plant at Brunner Island, where Susquehanna Aquaculture also is located. The fish farm thrives because it gets free hot water from PPL. So if the company must move, it cannot remain profitable.

The owner of the fish farm, which sold 400,000 pounds of live striped bass last year to fish markets in the U.S. and Canada, hopes the business can relocate elsewhere on Brunner Island, which is below York Haven and between York and Lancaster counties. But PPL is pessimistic that there is enough space to accommodate both the fish farm and everything else it plans to build on the small island in the next 10 years.

"We don't want to provide any false optimism," said PPL spokesman George Lewis. "We know he wants to stay, but it becomes an issue of not having enough space for everything."

The fish farm opened in May 1989, taking over and expanding a research project PPL had started. Susquehanna Aquaculture uses free hot water discharged from the Brunner Island plant as it makes electricity. The water keeps the stripers warm in their pens year around. By also giving the fish oxygen-rich water and plenty of good feed, the fish grow to full size in a year rather than three years.

It is the only striped bass farm in the Northeast.

Read Full Story from GrowFish.com.au

Being able to use a heat resource to grow fresh fish at near optinum conditions puts an other wise waste resource to benefical use. I sure hope that they can find a solution and keep growing those stripers. I have eaten their product while visiting Toronto. Very good eating!

Arctic Char In Sustainable Farming?

Arctic Char Growing In Tanks

My experiences raising Arctic Char in land based farms using tanks and raceways, with groundwater supplies and water recirculation aquaculture systems, have been positive overall.

I am what you may call a Charr fanatic since the early eighties and most of my experience has been hard won. The road to now has had its share of bumps and even a couple of cliff sized falls. There have fortunately also been some sunny times and even pay days. It has been interesting and rewarding in many ways but also frustrating at times.

I have grown Char at stocking densities that exceed the normal for rainbow trout or salmon in similar farming systems. In a properly designed and operated land based farm, this factor can lead to increased production amounts per unit of rearing space. The high density stocking characteristics of the species can allow the production intensification necessary in controlled systems and provide increased economy of scale, helping to offset the increased costs of building eco-friendly land based fish farms.Full article published at northernaquafarms.com "Arctic Charr Aquaculture - History and Experiences in Canada"

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