Summary
While overfishing and declining fish stocks are a major problem, the ocean as a human food source is in fact a vastly underexploited resource. In Europe there is substantial opportunity to further develop and diversify sustainable aquaculture. New solutions and initiatives are needed for:
- Diversifying foods cultivated in the oceans, especially from lower trophic levels (e.g. algae, bivalves, invertebrates) and ones that can be produced locally;
- Creating local jobs and stimulating local entrepreneurship in alternative ocean foods;
- Changing public perceptions and habits regarding aquaculture;
Problem description
While the world’s oceans account for almost half of the planet’s biological production, they provide a much smaller proportion of human food – about 2% of overall calorie intake and 15% of protein intake[1]. That is a missed opportunity, given the nutritional needs of the world’s growing population and the increasing pressure on land-based food sources.
In the meantime, the oceans as potential food source are under increasing threat from global warming, acidification and pollution. Therefore, we urgently need innovative solutions that increase sustainable food production from the oceans while also reducing the pressure from human activity on the health of the ocean.
In Europe, aquaculture is a key priority because it can satisfy the market's demand for high
In Europe, aquaculture is a key priority because it can satisfy the market’s demand for high-quality seafood, while contributing to the development of coastal regions through other Blue Economy activities in technology, science, infrastructure and tourism. Despite such opportunities, growth rate of aquaculture output in Europe has fallen behind global rates[2]. New solutions and initiatives are needed for growing and diversifying aquaculture in Europe.
[1] European Commission DG Research and Innovation. 2017. Food from the Oceans report
https://ec.europa.eu/info/publications/food-oceans_en
[2] FAO. 2018. The State of World Fisheries and Aquaculture 2018 – Meeting the sustainable development goals http://www.fao.org/3/i9540en/i9540en.pdf
HOW MIGHT WE (HMW) Questions
Diversifying foods cultivated in the oceans, especially from lower trophic levels (e.g. algae, bivalves, invertebrates).
► HMW increase diversification in aquaculture, with regard to new foods (i.e. algae, bivalves, etc.), technologies and markets?
► HMW incentivise large industry to partner with entrepreneurs in developing new alternative foods from the ocean?
► HMW identify and develop new food sources of lower trophic levels than carnivorous fish such as herbivore fish, invertebrates and algae?
Creating local jobs and stimulating local entrepreneurship in alternative ocean foods
► HMW create new and attractive professions and work opportunities in aquaculture as well as in processing, developing, and marketing of alternative foods from the oceans?
► HMW encourage transition from local fishing to local aquaculture through developing skills and improving education about aquaculture, or by providing – for example – “starter kits”?
► HMW help local aquaculture businesses grow by creating and delivering useful market knowledge?
Changing public perceptions and habits regarding aquaculture
► HMW change the public’s negative perception of aquaculture products and promote consumption of sustainable aquaculture products?
► HMW leverage alternative food from the ocean as an element in sustainable tourism?