Aquaculture as an alternative to protect the climate and feed the population.

Aquaculture is one of the fastest growing food production sectors in the world, and farmed seafood helps feed the world’s growing population.

But as climate change impacts increase, aquaculture is seen as a way to build economic resilience in coastal communities, while environmentalists worry that unsustainable practices could have an adverse effect on the environment.

Christian Morales Portillo, an oceanologist and experienced professor in aquaculture in northwestern Mexico in Ensenada, Baja California, talks about the growth of this activity.

Christian Morales Portillo also points out that seafood consumption has increased in recent years.

In the 60’s we consumed 9 kilos per capita in the world, nowadays it is more than 20 kilos.

Another factor that has to do with the increase in consumption is related to the population explosion, but it is necessary to consume food and products that come from fisheries without affecting biodiversity.
Christian Morales Portillo, comments that aquaculture is becoming a source of protein and jobs.
He says that as a country we have a commitment to the biodiversity agreement, which obliges us to live in harmony with nature and take advantage of natural resources in a sustainable way, best aquaculture and fishing practices.
Christian Morales Portillo points out that aquaculture is a business model, but we must ensure that it remains environmentally friendly.

He also argues that many communities are vulnerable to climate change, but it is possible to move towards sustainable aquaculture production.
It is very important to recover the traditional knowledge of the communities.

Finally, Christian Morales Portillo says that as consumers we must also be responsible and be informed to verify that it is labeled as having been made with sustainable fishing.

This report is part of the series “Cuando se seca el Arroyo”, funded in part by The Walton Family Foundation.