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Aquaculture is revolutionizing global food production, surpassing fisheries as the main seafood source. However, concerns persist regarding its environmental impact and social equity. Using the Aquaculture Performance Indicators (APIs), this study evaluates 57 aquaculture systems across 19 dimensions, revealing that economic, social andenvironmental sustainability are often complementary.
Aquaculture is a recent and rapidly growing component of the global food production system, surpassing fisheries as the primary source of seafood for human consumption. It has the potential to support livelihoods, food, security, and environmental sustainability. But concerns persist regarding its ecological and social impacts. The lack of comprehensive data has hindered systematic comparisons of global aquaculture production systems.
This study uses data from the Aquaculture Performance Indicators (APIs) across 57 aquaculture systems to assess sustainability across economic, environmental, and social dimensions. Findings indicate that, on average, these three pillars are complementary, with a weaker link between economic and environmental sustainability and a stronger link between social and environmental aspects.
The study also explores key controversies, including the sustainability of freshwater versus marine aquaculture and the preference for monoculture over polyculture. High performing species and aquaculture typologies are identified, emphasizing the role and investment in sustainable aquaculture.
Environmental concerns, such as habitat destruction, nutrient pollution and reliance on wild fish for feed, can be mitigated through governance and market incentives. For instance, rising fishmeal prices have prompted the industry to explore alternative protein sources. Additionally, aquaculture´s greenhouse gas emissions compare favorably to other food systems.
Social sustainability remains controversial, particularly in the Global South, where aquaculture markets often cater to urban and international demand. Large-scale, automated marine farms may contribute little to employment and food security, while contract farming can exacerbate social inequality. However, aquaculture has also been linked to economic development, poverty alleviation, and increased access to nutritious food.
The APIs enable global comparison by evaluating 88 outcomes measures across 19 dimensions. Data from 57 case studies, covering 41% of global production, show regional disparities, with higher sustainability scores in the Global North.
Methods
APIs assess the environmental, economic, and social performance of aquaculture systems, which are typically industry groups producing one species within a country. APIs include 88 output indicators grouped into 19 dimensions, scored on a 1-5 scale, capturing global variation.
Environmental performance assesses feed use, water use, and ecosystem impact. Economic performance examines market benefits, while social performance considers livelihoods and wages. Additionally, 66 input indicators evaluate management approaches, regulations, and infrastructure.
Between 2020 and 2021, APIs were applied to 57 aquaculture systems, covering 41% of global production and 37% of its value. Assessment’s span 21 countries and 40 species, with finfish (50%) dominating the sample. Data collection involved expert scores using targeted data, proxies, and interviews, ensuring consistency. Despite some underrepresented sectors, results remain stable across different analyses.
Results
Synergies and trade-offs among the three pillars of sustainability
Analyzing 57 aquaculture case studies, results indicate positive and statistically significance correlations between environmental, economic, and social sustainability, suggesting that trade-offs do not exist among these pillars on average (Figure 1). The correlation between environmental and economic sustainability in aquaculture (0.33) is weaker than in fisheries (0.52), as aquaculture´s environmental impacts are less directly affecting productivity, aquaculture farmers can control many production variables, particularly in intensive systems.
Regulations and market incentives, such as ecolabels, may be necessary to limit environmental externalities (Pincinato, et al., 2021; Bush, 2013; Asche; 2021). The correlation between environmental and social sustainability (0.45) is stronger than in fisheries (0.23), likely due to aquaculture´s fixed location, which fosters local social benefits. The correlation between economic and social sustainability (0.55) confirms that aquaculture supports community development, poverty reduction, and food security.
Production environment, technologies, and species
Aquaculture performance varies by production environment, technology, and species (Figure 2). Freshwater and marine aquaculture perform similarly in sustainability, challenging the assumption that one is superior (Belton et al., 2020; Costa-Pierce, 2022). Monocultures outperform polycultures in all three-sustainability pillars, contradicting the belief that polyculture optimizes resource use (Chopin, et al., 2012). While monoculture´s higher economic and social scores are expected, its environmental advantage suggests that well-managed monoculture can be more sustainable than assumed.
Among key species, mollusks perform best environmentally due to their filter-feeding ability, which eliminates reliance on manufactured feeds and fishmeal while providing ecosystem services (Barret, 2022). However, mollusks face economic challenges due to vulnerability to environmental stress and disease (Advelas, 2021 and Moor et al., 2022).
Salmon scores high across dimensions due to technological advancement and efficient feed use (Ytrestøyl, 2015) but its industry is characterized by high foreign investment, raising concerns about local community benefits (Phyne, 2010; Hishamunda, 2014 and Young, 2019). Carp, typically produced in extensive systems, scores lower economically due to low-value production (Kumar, 2016 and 2018). The greatest variability among species is observed in local ownership, trade, and environmental metrics, such as certification, feed use, and effluent management.
International trade
Aquaculture´s expansion is closely linked to global seafood trade, with export-oriented production often promoted as a strategy for economic growth and poverty alleviation (Anderson, 2018 and Gephart, 2015). Shrimp farming in Southeast Asia has been particularly scrutinized for its environmental and social impacts (Belton & Little, 2008; Primavera, 1997; van Mulekom et al., 2006 and Rivera-Ferre, 2009).
In low-income countries, export-oriented aquaculture outperforms domestic production in environmental (t(32) = 2.206, p = 0.035) and economic sustainability (t(28) = 2.6558, p = 0.013) contradicting claims that support that exports lead to greater environmental degradation (van Mulekom et al., 2006).
This suggest that export industries may be improving due to market-driven sustainability incentives. However, community performance does not significantly differ between export and domestic aquaculture (t(22) = 0.410, p = 0.686).
In high-income countries, domestic aquaculture scores higher environmentally than export-oriented production (t(8) = -2.829, p = 0.0210), while economic performance remains better for exports (t(6) = -2.829, p = 0.0210), while economic performance remains better for exports (t(6) = 3.945, p = 0.070). These findings suggest that production for domestic and export markets yields different sustainability outcomes, influenced by development status.
Export markets in wealthy nations demand sustainable practices, incentivizing improved environmental performance in developing countries. However, domestic markets in the developing world lack similar incentives, limiting sustainable production.
Overall, aquaculture exhibits complex sustainability dynamics, influenced by production methods, species, and market orientation. Policy and investment decisions will be critical in ensuring that aquaculture continues to balance economic, social, and environmental objectives effectively.
Discussion
Aquaculture production is rapidly growing, but it is also a heavily criticized food system as environmentally and socially unsustainable practices are perceived to arise in pursuit of economic objectives. This study utilized data collected with the APIs for 57 aquaculture systems and depicted that on average the three pillars of sustainability are complementary, suggesting no systematic trade-offs between economic, environmental, and social sustainability.
Hence, sustainable aquaculture production is possible, and fundamental trade-offs among economic, ecological, and social sustainability should not be viewed as the norm, even though they may exist in specific cases.
However, the results also indicate that there is significant variation in the degree of sustainability in different aquaculture systems, supporting the observation of Naylor et al. (2021) that it is a highly heterogeneous industry. The heterogeneity is highly interesting, and the results indicate that some important debates most likely are over-simplified.
This is most obvious in the discussion on the relative merits and potential of freshwater versus marine aquaculture. The results indicate that this is not a particularly interesting distinction, as the systems are performing quite similarly in all three sustainability dimensions. Rather, there are other factors that seem to be more important, such as the difference between mollusks and finfish or the degree of control over the production process.
Aquaculture production systems vary widely in terms of space, production technology, species, and market. The identification of negative outcomes in some species and dimensions serve not as a rejection of the food production technology, but to inform policy and investment decisions.
The data also provides a baseline of the average performance of the sectors as well as for different species groups. However, these analyses are just the beginning, and continued development of the APIs database will facilitate analysis on more detailed questions and will significantly help improve the sustainability of the aquaculture sector.
An expansion of the database will be beneficial as it will allow analysis of specific sub-systems and make the sample more representative of global aquaculture. For instance, additional observations for seaweed would facilitate analysis of one of the most rapidly growing parts of the aquaculture sector.
Conclusion
Aquaculture is a rapidly expanding food production system with both challenges and opportunities for sustainability. This study, using the APIs, shows that economic, social, and environmental sustainability are often complementary, though variations exist across species, production methods, and market dynamics. While certain systems face
environmental and social concerns, governance, policy, and investment can drive improvements. Future research and expanded data collection will be essential to refining strategies that ensure aquaculture´s role in sustainable global food production.
This is a summarized version developed by the editorial team of Aquaculture Magazine based on the review article titled “ENVIRONMENTAL, ECONOMIC, AND SOCIAL SUSTAINABILITY IN AQUACULTURE: THE AQUACULTURE PERFORMANCEINDICATORS” developed by: GARLOCK, T. – Auburn University; ASCHE, F. – University of Florida & University of Stavanger; ANDERSON, J. – University of Florida; EGGERT, H. – University of Gothenburg; and ANDERSON, T. – University of Florida &University of California at Davis. The original article was published on JUNE 2024, through NATURE COMMUNICATIONS. The full version, including tables and figures, can be accessed online through this link: https://doi.org/10.1038/s41467-024-49556-8
The post Environmental, Economic, and Social Sustainability in Aquaculture: The Aquaculture Performance Indicators Largest Markets appeared first on Aquaculture Magazine.
Read more...
Aquaculture is revolutionizing global food production, surpassing fisheries as the main seafood source. However, concerns persist regarding its environmental impact and social equity. Using the Aquaculture Performance Indicators (APIs), this study evaluates 57 aquaculture systems across 19 dimensions, revealing that economic, social andenvironmental sustainability are often complementary.
Aquaculture is a recent and rapidly growing component of the global food production system, surpassing fisheries as the primary source of seafood for human consumption. It has the potential to support livelihoods, food, security, and environmental sustainability. But concerns persist regarding its ecological and social impacts. The lack of comprehensive data has hindered systematic comparisons of global aquaculture production systems.
This study uses data from the Aquaculture Performance Indicators (APIs) across 57 aquaculture systems to assess sustainability across economic, environmental, and social dimensions. Findings indicate that, on average, these three pillars are complementary, with a weaker link between economic and environmental sustainability and a stronger link between social and environmental aspects.
The study also explores key controversies, including the sustainability of freshwater versus marine aquaculture and the preference for monoculture over polyculture. High performing species and aquaculture typologies are identified, emphasizing the role and investment in sustainable aquaculture.
Environmental concerns, such as habitat destruction, nutrient pollution and reliance on wild fish for feed, can be mitigated through governance and market incentives. For instance, rising fishmeal prices have prompted the industry to explore alternative protein sources. Additionally, aquaculture´s greenhouse gas emissions compare favorably to other food systems.
Social sustainability remains controversial, particularly in the Global South, where aquaculture markets often cater to urban and international demand. Large-scale, automated marine farms may contribute little to employment and food security, while contract farming can exacerbate social inequality. However, aquaculture has also been linked to economic development, poverty alleviation, and increased access to nutritious food.
The APIs enable global comparison by evaluating 88 outcomes measures across 19 dimensions. Data from 57 case studies, covering 41% of global production, show regional disparities, with higher sustainability scores in the Global North.
Methods
APIs assess the environmental, economic, and social performance of aquaculture systems, which are typically industry groups producing one species within a country. APIs include 88 output indicators grouped into 19 dimensions, scored on a 1-5 scale, capturing global variation.
Environmental performance assesses feed use, water use, and ecosystem impact. Economic performance examines market benefits, while social performance considers livelihoods and wages. Additionally, 66 input indicators evaluate management approaches, regulations, and infrastructure.
Between 2020 and 2021, APIs were applied to 57 aquaculture systems, covering 41% of global production and 37% of its value. Assessment’s span 21 countries and 40 species, with finfish (50%) dominating the sample. Data collection involved expert scores using targeted data, proxies, and interviews, ensuring consistency. Despite some underrepresented sectors, results remain stable across different analyses.
Results
Synergies and trade-offs among the three pillars of sustainability
Analyzing 57 aquaculture case studies, results indicate positive and statistically significance correlations between environmental, economic, and social sustainability, suggesting that trade-offs do not exist among these pillars on average (Figure 1). The correlation between environmental and economic sustainability in aquaculture (0.33) is weaker than in fisheries (0.52), as aquaculture´s environmental impacts are less directly affecting productivity, aquaculture farmers can control many production variables, particularly in intensive systems.
Regulations and market incentives, such as ecolabels, may be necessary to limit environmental externalities (Pincinato, et al., 2021; Bush, 2013; Asche; 2021). The correlation between environmental and social sustainability (0.45) is stronger than in fisheries (0.23), likely due to aquaculture´s fixed location, which fosters local social benefits. The correlation between economic and social sustainability (0.55) confirms that aquaculture supports community development, poverty reduction, and food security.
Production environment, technologies, and species
Aquaculture performance varies by production environment, technology, and species (Figure 2). Freshwater and marine aquaculture perform similarly in sustainability, challenging the assumption that one is superior (Belton et al., 2020; Costa-Pierce, 2022). Monocultures outperform polycultures in all three-sustainability pillars, contradicting the belief that polyculture optimizes resource use (Chopin, et al., 2012). While monoculture´s higher economic and social scores are expected, its environmental advantage suggests that well-managed monoculture can be more sustainable than assumed.
Among key species, mollusks perform best environmentally due to their filter-feeding ability, which eliminates reliance on manufactured feeds and fishmeal while providing ecosystem services (Barret, 2022). However, mollusks face economic challenges due to vulnerability to environmental stress and disease (Advelas, 2021 and Moor et al., 2022).
Salmon scores high across dimensions due to technological advancement and efficient feed use (Ytrestøyl, 2015) but its industry is characterized by high foreign investment, raising concerns about local community benefits (Phyne, 2010; Hishamunda, 2014 and Young, 2019). Carp, typically produced in extensive systems, scores lower economically due to low-value production (Kumar, 2016 and 2018). The greatest variability among species is observed in local ownership, trade, and environmental metrics, such as certification, feed use, and effluent management.
International trade
Aquaculture´s expansion is closely linked to global seafood trade, with export-oriented production often promoted as a strategy for economic growth and poverty alleviation (Anderson, 2018 and Gephart, 2015). Shrimp farming in Southeast Asia has been particularly scrutinized for its environmental and social impacts (Belton & Little, 2008; Primavera, 1997; van Mulekom et al., 2006 and Rivera-Ferre, 2009).
In low-income countries, export-oriented aquaculture outperforms domestic production in environmental (t(32) = 2.206, p = 0.035) and economic sustainability (t(28) = 2.6558, p = 0.013) contradicting claims that support that exports lead to greater environmental degradation (van Mulekom et al., 2006).
This suggest that export industries may be improving due to market-driven sustainability incentives. However, community performance does not significantly differ between export and domestic aquaculture (t(22) = 0.410, p = 0.686).
In high-income countries, domestic aquaculture scores higher environmentally than export-oriented production (t(8) = -2.829, p = 0.0210), while economic performance remains better for exports (t(6) = -2.829, p = 0.0210), while economic performance remains better for exports (t(6) = 3.945, p = 0.070). These findings suggest that production for domestic and export markets yields different sustainability outcomes, influenced by development status.
Export markets in wealthy nations demand sustainable practices, incentivizing improved environmental performance in developing countries. However, domestic markets in the developing world lack similar incentives, limiting sustainable production.
Overall, aquaculture exhibits complex sustainability dynamics, influenced by production methods, species, and market orientation. Policy and investment decisions will be critical in ensuring that aquaculture continues to balance economic, social, and environmental objectives effectively.
Discussion
Aquaculture production is rapidly growing, but it is also a heavily criticized food system as environmentally and socially unsustainable practices are perceived to arise in pursuit of economic objectives. This study utilized data collected with the APIs for 57 aquaculture systems and depicted that on average the three pillars of sustainability are complementary, suggesting no systematic trade-offs between economic, environmental, and social sustainability.
Hence, sustainable aquaculture production is possible, and fundamental trade-offs among economic, ecological, and social sustainability should not be viewed as the norm, even though they may exist in specific cases.
However, the results also indicate that there is significant variation in the degree of sustainability in different aquaculture systems, supporting the observation of Naylor et al. (2021) that it is a highly heterogeneous industry. The heterogeneity is highly interesting, and the results indicate that some important debates most likely are over-simplified.
This is most obvious in the discussion on the relative merits and potential of freshwater versus marine aquaculture. The results indicate that this is not a particularly interesting distinction, as the systems are performing quite similarly in all three sustainability dimensions. Rather, there are other factors that seem to be more important, such as the difference between mollusks and finfish or the degree of control over the production process.
Aquaculture production systems vary widely in terms of space, production technology, species, and market. The identification of negative outcomes in some species and dimensions serve not as a rejection of the food production technology, but to inform policy and investment decisions.
The data also provides a baseline of the average performance of the sectors as well as for different species groups. However, these analyses are just the beginning, and continued development of the APIs database will facilitate analysis on more detailed questions and will significantly help improve the sustainability of the aquaculture sector.
An expansion of the database will be beneficial as it will allow analysis of specific sub-systems and make the sample more representative of global aquaculture. For instance, additional observations for seaweed would facilitate analysis of one of the most rapidly growing parts of the aquaculture sector.
Conclusion
Aquaculture is a rapidly expanding food production system with both challenges and opportunities for sustainability. This study, using the APIs, shows that economic, social, and environmental sustainability are often complementary, though variations exist across species, production methods, and market dynamics. While certain systems face
environmental and social concerns, governance, policy, and investment can drive improvements. Future research and expanded data collection will be essential to refining strategies that ensure aquaculture´s role in sustainable global food production.
This is a summarized version developed by the editorial team of Aquaculture Magazine based on the review article titled “ENVIRONMENTAL, ECONOMIC, AND SOCIAL SUSTAINABILITY IN AQUACULTURE: THE AQUACULTURE PERFORMANCEINDICATORS” developed by: GARLOCK, T. – Auburn University; ASCHE, F. – University of Florida & University of Stavanger; ANDERSON, J. – University of Florida; EGGERT, H. – University of Gothenburg; and ANDERSON, T. – University of Florida &University of California at Davis. The original article was published on JUNE 2024, through NATURE COMMUNICATIONS. The full version, including tables and figures, can be accessed online through this link: https://doi.org/10.1038/s41467-024-49556-8
The post Environmental, Economic, and Social Sustainability in Aquaculture: The Aquaculture Performance Indicators Largest Markets appeared first on Aquaculture Magazine.
Read more...