Cultivating an Ocean Food Revolution

Mariculture, or marine farming, holds substantial potential in creating a sustainable ocean economy by contributing to food security, job creation, and biomaterial production, according to a report by Systemiq and the Ocean Panel Expert Group.

The report projects mariculture could potentially yield six times more food and 15 billion metric tons of products by managing resources sustainably and leveraging novel technologies.

In addition, it also shows promise in providing employment opportunities and mitigating climate impact, with the potential to generate 3.2 million jobs by 2030 and reduce carbon emissions compared to land-based farming.

Sustainable mariculture also presents opportunities to produce regenerative biomaterials like seaweed, which have multiple uses and environmental benefits.

The report advocates for more significant investment, favourable legislation, adherence to sustainability standards, and consumer education to accelerate mariculture's growth.