Seafood from Aquaculture (Farm-Raised)

Similar to wild-caught species, there are many factors to weigh when considering the environmental responsibility of farm-raised aquatic species, including pollution, feed, species health and impact on other species.

Farm-raised seafood can be produced in a variety of ways, including suspended ropes, land-based ponds and tanks, and marine or freshwater nets. All aquaculture systems have an impact on the surrounding environment, with some operations having less of an impact than others. The New England Aquarium’s experts evaluate the different forms of production and the associated environmental impact when determining environmentally responsible farmed seafood sources.

All seafood farms create waste products, but how a farm deals with pollution helps to determine their impact on the environment. Farms that incorporate environmentally responsible management practices can minimize waste and reduce their impact on the surrounding environment.

Another major issue in aquaculture is the use of feed. Aquaculture feed is made up of many ingredients and often includes the use of fishmeal or fish oil produced from wild fisheries. Efficient feeding practices and minimizing the use of wild fish inputs are important factors considered when evaluating an aquaculture farm.

The overall health of the species raised on a farm is important. Healthier fish and shellfish lead to more efficient farms, as they tend to grow faster and feed more effectively. Unhealthy farmed fish and shellfish can cause severe economic loss or possibly spread disease to wild populations. Aquaculture farms can protect species health by being proactive in disease monitoring and management. Habitat alteration, escapes and predator control are all ways that aquaculture can impact other species. Fish that escape from aquaculture farms can affect wild populations by breeding with native populations and transferring diseases. Impact on other species can be minimized by good site planning, good supervision and response to escapes, and the use of passive predator control methods.

Aquaculture is one of the fastest growing food production sectors in the world. It accounts for nearly half of all seafood produced and is considered one of the main ways to meet increasing demands for fish and shellfish. The team of experts at the New England Aquarium evaluates the impacts of fish farming operations on the environment and helps GIANT seek out sustainable aquaculture operations.