NATURE-BASED aquaculture offers a promising alternative, harnessing the power of nature to produce food in an environmentally responsible way, says Ministry of Fisheries and Forest head of aquaculture Dr Alok Kalla.
Speaking at the Aqua-Pearl Stakeholder Inception and Workshop at Holiday Inn in Suva yesterday earlier this week, he said traditional aquaculture practices, while essential, had often come with environmental costs, such as pollution, habitat destruction, and overfishing.
He said at its core, nature-based aquaculture sought to mimic natural ecosystems, integrating aquaculture practices with conservation efforts.
“By working in harmony with nature, we can mitigate the negative impacts of traditional aquaculture and create sustainable, resilient food systems,” Dr Kalla said.
“One of the key principles of nature-based aquaculture is the restoration and protection of natural habitats.
“By restoring mangroves, sea grass beds, and coral reefs, we can create diverse ecosystems that support a wide range of marine life, including fish and shellfish.
“These habitats not only provide food and shelter for aquatic organisms but also help to filter water, protect coastlines from erosion, and sequester carbon dioxide.”
He said another important aspect of nature-based aquaculture was the use of sustainable feed sources.
“Traditional aquaculture often relies on fishmeal and fish oil, which are derived from wild-caught fish.
“This practice can contribute to overfishing and deplete marine ecosystems.
“Nature-based aquaculture, on the other hand, promotes the use of plant-based and alternative feed sources, such as insects and algae.
“These sustainable feed options can reduce the environmental impact of aquaculture while ensuring the health and wellbeing of farmed fish and shellfish.”
Dr Kalla said nature-based aquaculture can also play a vital role in climate change mitigation and adaptation.
“By restoring coastal ecosystems, we can increase their capacity to absorb carbon dioxide and protect coastal communities from the impacts of sea-level rise and extreme weather events.
“Additionally, by reducing our reliance on fossil fuels and adopting sustainable aquaculture practices, we can contribute to a low-carbon future.”
He said nature-based aquaculture offered a promising pathway towards a more sustainable and equitable future.
“Let us embrace this innovative approach and strive to create a world where aquaculture is a force for good, nourishing our communities while preserving our precious marine ecosystems.”