Aquaculture

Global aquaculture production exceeded 90 million tonnes in 2022, with China accounting for ~60% of output. The sector includes marine net pen culture (Atlantic salmon, sea bass), freshwater pond culture (tilapia, carp, catfish), mollusc culture (oysters, mussels, clams), and recirculating aquaculture systems (RAS) for high-value species. Key sustainability concerns include: fishmeal and fish oil demands on wild-capture forage fisheries; antibiotic use in disease management; sea lice infestations from salmon farms spreading to wild juvenile salmon; and organic waste deposition below net pens. Tilapia and mussels represent low-impact aquaculture (herbivorous, filter-feeding respectively); carnivorous fish like salmon require feed efficiency improvements to reduce environmental footprint.