The ever-increasing world population also increases the demand for fish that is nutrient-rich and healthy. More and more people these days have finally started to realize that there is more to fish than meets the eye. Many have discovered that it’s not only nutritious and tasty; it is quite versatile as well. This is especially true when fish is fitted with other protein sources like pork or beef.
While it is a good thing that people are now starting to appreciate fish more, this has also led to the increased strain on the waterways of the earth. This is why to ensure that fish is going to remain abundant not only now but for future generations as well, people need to purchase not only farmed fish but also wild ones.
Fish Farms and the Future
Fish farming or aquaculture is a fast-growing industry today. In fact, they are now considered to produce about half of the seafood supply that supports the rest of the world. Just like any farm, these settings are where fish are raised from birth and are harvested when they are old enough and of the right size to be purchased at the grocery stores.
The best thing about fish farms is that they do more than just feed the world. They are also effective at easing a bit of the pressure that demands so much of the lakes, oceans and rivers of the earth. These days, instead of relying on the waterways of the world to get access to fish, people now produce their own. This significantly eases its impact on the world’s fish population without sacrificing the needs of those who wish to consume fish for food. Today, there are all kinds of fish farms and like any other farm, some are following practices that are more sustainable than others. Regardless, they do play a critical role in ensuring that the waterways will not get depleted of fish supply.
Wild Fish and Their Importance
While aquaculture is useful at ensuring that the wild stock pressure eases considerably. This doesn’t also mean that people should stop purchasing wild fish. Wild-caught fish has been a great help in ensuring that the rest of the world gets their protein fill though fish that are harvested from the wild. Provided that they are non-threatened and the supply is plentiful, there’s nothing wrong with wild fish consumption.
Whether wild or farmed is the better option will ultimately depend on the specific type of fish that are available in the area. Certain farmed fish are only fed a vegetarian diet— as in the case of tilapia. However, there are many fish in the wild that are actually considered carnivores. It’s not a sustainable practice though to catch other fish just to feed another kind of fish. Fortunately, more fish farmers these days are finding ways on how they can work around this. When in doubt, you can always ask your fishmonger at the grocery when it comes to the diet of the fishes they are selling.
Fisheries and Farms Working Hand in Hand
While it does sometimes feel like both fisheries and farms are sitting on two different ends of the pole, many of the active players in the field are actually realizing the benefits of choosing to work together. Fisheries and fish farms across the world are trying to find a solution to address the impact of climate change in the industry through joint solutions. Considering how both play a crucial role in curbing the protein need of the world population, these collaborative efforts are highly appreciated.
