Abstract:
The current and rapid expansion of the fish farm industry gives
it the potential to be sustainably shaped as a solution to diminishing wild
fisheries and a means of food security for a growing human population. By
focusing on salmon as a template species, this essay explores the current unsustainable
problems negatively characterizing the aquaculture industry like
inefficient baitfish feeds, disease, and pollution, while also presenting options
for sustainable improvements. Research on diverse global salmon aquaculture
production methods and policy was gathered through analysis of relevant
texts including: scientific institute reports and publications, an aquaculture
textbook, scientific journal articles, and a seafood expert’s nonfiction
writings. Integrated multi-trophic aquaculture (IMTA) was found to be a
promising solution in terms of the ecological and economic sustainability of
salmon aquaculture. This paper argues that world governments should promote
sustainable salmon aquaculture by removing regulatory barriers and
financially incentivizing IMTA.
