Eurogroup for Animals’ Post

With over 50% of the world's seafood now sourced from aquaculture, this rapidly growing sector plays a pivotal role in global food security, supporting livelihoods, and alleviating pressure on wild fish stocks. However, as the industry expands, it also poses significant challenges to biodiversity, threatening marine ecosystems. To address these concerns, it is imperative for the aquaculture sector to transition towards sustainable practices. Our panel brings together experts to explore innovative solutions that not only minimize environmental impacts but also enhance productivity and resilience, paving the way for a more sustainable future for aquaculture and our oceans. 🎙️ Panelists: Alessandro Romano, Ittinsect - Feed for the Ocean Aly Rose, CREO Syndicate Christo du Plessis, Matorka Robin Millington, Planet Tracker Sven Kolstø, OptoScale Tune in at 2.45 PM, on March 20th (link to live stream available soon). #OceanInnovatorsPlatform #Aquaculture

Environmentalists are increasingly sounding the alarm over what they claim are destructive impacts of the global fish farming industry. Farmed fish accounts for a rising share of total fish production, with producers in countries like Norway, Chile, and Canada gaining economic significance and influence. The rapid growth means the industry is continuously looking for additional locations along the coast and in fjords to establish new farms, and is mostly granted permission by the government, even within Norway’s limited number of marine protected areas (MPAs). Government hesitance in imposing stricter regulations is seen as an illustration of the challenge ahead in meeting biodiversity targets. "Norway claims that 44% of its ocean is kind of protected through fishery measures, which is absurd," marine ecologist Per-Erik Schulze at the Norwegian Society for the Conservation of Nature (Naturvernforbundet) told our reporter Giada Ferraglioni. "If you want to make a properly protected area, you can't have industrial fishing or bottom trawling happening inside those zones." Along with other organisations and NGOs, the Norwegian Society for the Conservation of Nature is trying to push back against the industry by asking the government for more aquaculture-free zones. Read the article for exclusive comments from the Norwegian Seafood Federation (Sjømat Norge), Rachel Mulrenan of WildFish, Kelly Roebuck of Living Oceans Society, and subscribe: https://lnkd.in/dtskA6Wd

New study confirms seaweed and mussel farms improve biodiversity and abundance of marine life New insights into the habitat benefits of seaweed and shellfish farms in temperate ecosystems are emerging from a unique study in New Zealand and the Gulf of Maine. Shellfish and seaweed farms increase structural complexity in coastal environments, attracting fish – including fish larvae – to the shelter and foraging opportunities on offer. To assess the extent to which coastal aquaculture could be providing nursery habitat for juvenile fish in the Hauraki Gulf, Lucy Underwood and Andrew Jeffs of the University of Auckland measured the numbers of larval fish that were settling and establishing themselves in four different habitats: a farm with only mussels, a farm with kelp and mussels, a natural rocky reef with kelp, and soft sediment seafloor. https://lnkd.in/gzHBYiFB

New insights into the habitat benefits of seaweed and shellfish farms in temperate ecosystems are emerging from a unique study initiated by The Nature Conservancy on opposite sides of the globe: New Zealand and the Gulf of Maine. Shellfish and seaweed farms increase structural complexity in coastal environments, attracting fish – including fish larvae – to the shelter and foraging opportunities on offer. To assess the extent to which coastal aquaculture could be providing nursery habitat for juvenile fish.

What is a sustainable fishery? it should be more than looking only at yield of catch. Prof and author Callum Roberts says sustainable fisheries should be 1) selective to the target species; 2) doesn't destroy the seabed habitat; and 3) should value the organic carbon in the seabed habitat. Economist Impact #sustainablefisheries #fisheries #WorldOceanSummit

🌍 𝐂𝐞𝐥𝐞𝐛𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐞 𝐁𝐢𝐨𝐝𝐢𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐬𝐢𝐭𝐲, 𝐒𝐮𝐬𝐭𝐚𝐢𝐧 𝐎𝐮𝐫 𝐅𝐮𝐭𝐮𝐫𝐞! 🏞 Biodiversity is the foundation for a healthy planet and thriving ecosystems. It applies to everything, encompassing the food we eat to the air we breathe. In aquatic environments, diverse species help maintain water quality, support fisheries, and ensure resilient ecosystems. 🐟 🐙 This year's theme for International Biological Biodiversity Day, “Be part of the Plan" deeply resonates with the mission of the OptiFish project: to create sustainable and efficient aquaculture solutions that enhance the health of our ecosystems. ✍️ Our commitment: OptiFish is pioneering innovative technologies 🔬 to optimize fish farming and ensure it aligns with the natural balance of our waters. Join us in celebrating and protecting our aquatic life. 🌊 #fisheriestechnologies #fisheriesmonitoring #futurefisheries #HorizonEurope #ResearchImpactEU #BiodiversityDay #BuildBackBiodiversity

Seaweed farmed using off-bottom aquaculture is rated green and is one of the most sustainable seafood items you can buy. Seaweed sequesters carbon, provides important marine habitat, and helps support biodiversity. Off-bottom aquaculture methods grow shellfish, seaweed, and more in ways that don’t harm the seafloor, and, overall, they have relatively few environmental impacts. For example, since these algae use sunlight and photosynthesis to nourish themselves, there’s no additional feed needed or nutrient waste discharged into the environment. Barnacle Foods sources seaweed in Southeast Alaska. Learn more about how they’re working to improve ocean health through sustainable aquaculture. #sustainableseafood #seaweed #supergreen #aquaculture #seafood

How to improve soil biodiversity? 1. Stop tilling or digging of soil (No till). 2. Stop applying chemical fertilisers, pesticides, herbicides, plastics or pollutants in soil. 3. Keep the soil surface always covered with dry leaves and other organic matter (mulching). 4. Keep the soil surface always covered with green plants (cover cropping). 5. Create plant biodiversity (multilayer polycropping) 6. Maintain animal biodiversity (mixed animal husbandry and mixed aquaculture).

🌏🌊🐟 Global Impact Tuesday: From the careful harvesting of fish to the mindful practices in aquaculture, the methods we employ to bring seafood from the ocean to our plates are pivotal. These choices impact not just the health of our oceans, but the entire ecosystem surrounding them. Equally crucial is our role as consumers. Opting for sustainably sourced seafood can drive positive changes, promoting marine biodiversity, supporting ethical labor practices, encouraging fair trade and support the livelihoods of diverse communities globally connected through the seafood industry. #aquaculture #sustainableseafood #sustainablefarming #oceanhealth

🌊 𝐋𝐞𝐚𝐝𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐖𝐚𝐲 𝐒𝐢𝐧𝐜𝐞 𝟐𝟎𝟏𝟔 🌍 At ForSea Solutions, we are dedicated to leading the way in environmentally and socially responsible fisheries management. Since 2016, our mission has been to ensure a sustainable future for fish populations while boosting market shares for fisheries. Our client-focused approach extends beyond providing sustainable seafood solutions; it’s about forging lasting partnerships, cultivating trust, and unlocking new marketing opportunities. We believe that adopting responsible practices today sets the foundation for a prosperous and thriving industry tomorrow. 🌱🐟 Count on ForSea Solutions to guide your journey to success with strategies that harmoniously balance ecological health and economic growth. 🌐: https://lnkd.in/eDkjzDms #ForSeaSolutions #SustainableFisheries #FisheriesManagement #MarketingExcellence #OceanConservation #Since2016 #SustainableGrowth #ResponsibleFishing #ClientFocused #ClientServices #SustainableBusiness #EcologicalHealth #EconomicGrowth #SociallyResponsible #SustainableFish