Recirculating aquaculture systems given “green” label by Monterey Bay Aquarium/Seafood Choices
Dear Friends,
For
several years, MAP has pointed out the potential of recirculating
aquaculture systems (RAS) as a better way forward for aquaculture
systems. Since aquaculture has actually been around for a thousand
years, it is not likely to just disappear as a means of raising marine
or fresh water fish, clams, shrimp, crabs and seaweed. Yet we all know
and have been struggling against the terrible consequences of what is
termed “open, throughput systems” of aquaculture, which in all too many
cases lead to environmental and social ills. Both the salmon and shrimp
aquaculture industries are representative of some of the worst problems
resulting from this “open system” style of aquaculture production, and
MAP is committed to opposing these deleterious open production systems.
several years, MAP has pointed out the potential of recirculating
aquaculture systems (RAS) as a better way forward for aquaculture
systems. Since aquaculture has actually been around for a thousand
years, it is not likely to just disappear as a means of raising marine
or fresh water fish, clams, shrimp, crabs and seaweed. Yet we all know
and have been struggling against the terrible consequences of what is
termed “open, throughput systems” of aquaculture, which in all too many
cases lead to environmental and social ills. Both the salmon and shrimp
aquaculture industries are representative of some of the worst problems
resulting from this “open system” style of aquaculture production, and
MAP is committed to opposing these deleterious open production systems.
One
important benefit of the “closed system” approach, which is what the
RAS involve is that these RAS systems can be located next door to the
markets that sell the product, within the countries where the demand
exists. This engenders the “eat local, buy local” philosophy that the
Slow Food movement promotes, and makes great sense in limiting the
international transport costs in terms of fuel and pollution, which
contribute to global warming. These RAS systems can feed people, while
not causing food insecurity in the process, as happens from “open
system” production such as floating salmon pens or excavated shrimp
ponds.
important benefit of the “closed system” approach, which is what the
RAS involve is that these RAS systems can be located next door to the
markets that sell the product, within the countries where the demand
exists. This engenders the “eat local, buy local” philosophy that the
Slow Food movement promotes, and makes great sense in limiting the
international transport costs in terms of fuel and pollution, which
contribute to global warming. These RAS systems can feed people, while
not causing food insecurity in the process, as happens from “open
system” production such as floating salmon pens or excavated shrimp
ponds.
Other
benefits of these closed systems are mentioned in the article below,
but there are still two important points that need to be made to ensure
that these are truly “closed systems” that are being promoted, and not
still ruinous “open systems.” We need to ensure that those promoters of
RAS, such as Monterey Bay Aquarium and Seafood Choices, are promoting
the following aspects as vital to what closed systems must include
before being given this “green” label of their endorsement:
benefits of these closed systems are mentioned in the article below,
but there are still two important points that need to be made to ensure
that these are truly “closed systems” that are being promoted, and not
still ruinous “open systems.” We need to ensure that those promoters of
RAS, such as Monterey Bay Aquarium and Seafood Choices, are promoting
the following aspects as vital to what closed systems must include
before being given this “green” label of their endorsement:
1)
FEED- These systems must not rely on wild capture fisheries to feed
their farmed species. There needs to be sustainable production of feed
for the raised species that does not cause harm to our wild fisheries,
as is the case for the fish feed industry today. This “for-farm-feed”
production could be from algae, seaweed, mollusks and fish grown within
the RAS facility itself, or grown for that facility from a nearby feed
production source. Also, plants such as vegetables and grains could
supply needed feed nutrients, but must come from organic, non-GMO
sources of production.
FEED- These systems must not rely on wild capture fisheries to feed
their farmed species. There needs to be sustainable production of feed
for the raised species that does not cause harm to our wild fisheries,
as is the case for the fish feed industry today. This “for-farm-feed”
production could be from algae, seaweed, mollusks and fish grown within
the RAS facility itself, or grown for that facility from a nearby feed
production source. Also, plants such as vegetables and grains could
supply needed feed nutrients, but must come from organic, non-GMO
sources of production.
2)
SITING- The RAS facilities must be sited on non-contested lands that
are not usurping the land tenure or resource rights of the affected
communities living in the area of the RAS facility. Also, the RAS is not
damaging surrounding natural resources, such as wetlands or productive
farmlands. These restrictions can be realized because one of the major
advantages of the RAS is that it can be located just about anywhere,
including in deserts or on building rooftops.
SITING- The RAS facilities must be sited on non-contested lands that
are not usurping the land tenure or resource rights of the affected
communities living in the area of the RAS facility. Also, the RAS is not
damaging surrounding natural resources, such as wetlands or productive
farmlands. These restrictions can be realized because one of the major
advantages of the RAS is that it can be located just about anywhere,
including in deserts or on building rooftops.
3)
A SUPPLEMENT, NOT A REPLACEMENT FOR WILD FISHERIES- Aquaculture must be
a supplement, not a replacement for our wild fisheries. And, in the
process, aquaculture should not damage or destroy wild fisheries habitat
or the natural environment that supports wild marine and fresh water
fisheries. In other words, no clearing of mangroves, no destruction of
coastal wetlands, no wreckage or blockage of fresh waterways, no dumping
of pollutants, etc.
A SUPPLEMENT, NOT A REPLACEMENT FOR WILD FISHERIES- Aquaculture must be
a supplement, not a replacement for our wild fisheries. And, in the
process, aquaculture should not damage or destroy wild fisheries habitat
or the natural environment that supports wild marine and fresh water
fisheries. In other words, no clearing of mangroves, no destruction of
coastal wetlands, no wreckage or blockage of fresh waterways, no dumping
of pollutants, etc.
It
is important that we continue opposing “open system” means of fish,
mollusk, or shrimp production, as these can be detrimental to life on
our planet. Meanwhile, if there is a better way, then let’s take that
path. RAS within the limits I have outlined above may be that better way
forward. It is, however, still in its early phases of development that
needs our careful scrutiny.
is important that we continue opposing “open system” means of fish,
mollusk, or shrimp production, as these can be detrimental to life on
our planet. Meanwhile, if there is a better way, then let’s take that
path. RAS within the limits I have outlined above may be that better way
forward. It is, however, still in its early phases of development that
needs our careful scrutiny.
Alfredo Quarto,
Executive Director
Mangrove Action Project (MAP)
PO Box 1854
Port Angeles, WA 98362-0279 USA
mangroveap@olympus.net
Executive Director
Mangrove Action Project (MAP)
PO Box 1854
Port Angeles, WA 98362-0279 USA
mangroveap@olympus.net