A new California Sea Grant report explores nonprofits’ views on California aquaculture
Aquaculture, the fastest-growing food sector globally, is expected to play a significant role in feeding the world’s expanding population. However, in the U.S., aquaculture comprises less than 1% of global production, partly due to environmental concerns. To address these, the nonprofit Save Our Shores partnered with California Sea Grant and Moss Landing Marine Laboratories to host the “California NGO Responsible Aquaculture Forum.” Their report, based on discussions with 13 California conservation professionals, highlights diverse perspectives, concerns, and hopes for sustainable aquaculture.
Forum discussions involved scenario planning on different aquaculture types, such as land-based systems and Indigenous-led projects. Key topics included potential environmental risks, regulatory challenges, and the need for community input in decision-making. Some participants supported aquaculture for economic resilience and conservation, while others worried about cumulative environmental impacts and proximity to protected marine areas. The forum underscored the importance of evolving regulatory frameworks and keeping conversations ongoing to develop sustainable aquaculture practices that avoid past food system mistakes.