Aquaculture is the fastest growing food production system in the world. The industry has grown at a steady 8-10% over the past 30 years, and this is set to continue. As the amount of farmed seafood produced rises, it is critical to minimize the negative impacts of aquaculture on the environment and society.
Aquaculture
Seafood is one of the healthiest and most popular sources of protein worldwide.
And aquaculture is the fastest growing food production system in the world.
Yet chemicals used at fish farms can pollute the water, diseases can spread easily from farmed to wild-caught fish and accident rates at fish farms can be high.
WWF is committed to making sure aquaculture is good for people and nature.
When done responsibly, aquaculture’s impact on wild fish populations, marine habitats, water quality and society is minimal.
Despite a steep learning curve for this growing industry – learning in just 30 years what land farmers have garnered over 6,000 years – positive changes in the industry already are visible.
WWF’s work on sustainable seafood is not limited to aquaculture.
We also work to improve the management of fisheries, which is the only way to take pressure off of fisheries.
Creating a sustainable supply of seafood requires this twofold approach.