Have you ever wondered about the crucial role aquatic foods play in nutrition and food security?
They represent a unique and incredibly diversified supply of vital omega-3 fatty acids and accessible micronutrients. In addition, they are a source of protein and their sustainable use and production is ever more important. According to the FAO report on the state of the World Fisheries and Aquaculture, aquatic foods are becoming more widely acknowledged for their critical role in nutrition and food security. Making fisheries and aquaculture products a priority and better integrating them into national, regional, and global food system strategies and policies should be an essential component of the agri-food systems. However, the discourse around farm-raised fish has been marked by various misconceptions such as the overuse of water, that often overshadow the benefits of sustainable aquaculture. This blog post aims to highlight some myths, providing a clearer understanding of the role and importance of farm-raised fish in meeting the global demand for seafood.
Myth #1: Farm-Raised Fish are Less Nutritious
One prevailing myth suggests that farm-raised fish are less nutritious compared to their wild counterparts. However, it has been shown that farm-raised fish are rich in essential nutrients such as omega-3 fatty acids, proteins, and vitamins. If you are particularly interested in the nutritional comparison of Tilapia and catfish check out our blog post. This nutritional richness is achieved by the tailored diets given to fish in the controlled environments of aquaculture facilities. However, as fish take on the nutrition of their food, the diet must be in proper balance and good quality – so diet and nutrition go hand in hand.
Myth #2: Farming Practices Harm the Environment
While there are always a few companies in the news that set abad example, most farms work hard to maintain cleanliness and environmental compliance, so that the fish they raise are healthy and you, as the consumer, are safe to eat it. As it happens, new aquaculture methods put the environment’s needs first – such as recirculating aquaculture systems (RAS) that use less circular technology and sustainable feed options that contribute to eco-friendly fish farming, reducing the strain on natural ecosystems. Fish farms that adhere to particular standards recieve certifications such as the Best Aquaculture Practices Certification while quality standards and organizations such as the Aquaculture Stewardship Council provide certification to seafood that is produced safely and ethically. Additionally , in terms of greenhouse gas emissions, nitrogen and phosphorus use aquaculture has a smaller footprint than other farming practices.
Myth #3: Farm-Raised Fish are Filled with Antibiotics, Chemicals and Dies
There is a misconception that farm-raised fish are laden with antibiotics and chemicals, posing risks to consumer health. In modern aquaculture, strict rules and oversight guarantee the responsible use of chemicals and antibiotics. Strict adherence to these safety standards ensures that farm-raised fish are safe for consumption. . While some fish are given feed that contains colorants, great attention is given to the origin and nature of them ensuring safety and the use of natural bio-colorant and pigments. Other fish have naturally white flesh like Tilapia, so there is no need for colors to enhance their appearance.
It is critical to meet the demand for seafood responsibly as the world’s population grows. By addressing these myths about fish raised in farms, we can acknowledge the important contribution aquaculture makes to supplying a safe and sustainable supply of premium seafood. At INCiTiS-FOOD we pay great attention to ensuring the fish raised in our aquaponics systems is safe and nutritious and that our 8 Living Labs in Africa operate at their full capacity. We do this through extensive training and capacity building between our European and African partners, while simultaneously developing solutions and alternatives to sustainable and nutrient-rich feed. Our tanks and systems are regularly cross-check to ensure optimum function.
Would you try African raised aquaponics fish?
