aquaculture: If it's sustainable

With aquaculture, aquatic organisms can be produced in a targeted and transparent manner to feed the growing world population. Used sustainably, this type of aquatic farming has great potential for the future. What the disadvantages and advantages are and why we have been relying on certified aquaculture for a long time.

From salmon to trout: We all love fresh fish on our plate, the important protein suppliers are increasingly appearing on our weekly menu. Global fish consumption has increased steadily in recent years. According to the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) each of us eats around 20 kilograms of fish and fish products. A high demand today, which will not least increase with the growing population. And which can no longer be covered by catch fishing alone.

The aquaculture industry, which has been growing for years, offers a possible solution to this, often incorrectly referred to as so-called fish farms. For the year 2020 the FAO forecasts global fish production in aquaculture of around 90 million tons catch weight. For comparison: Ten years ago came only around 60 million tons from aquaculture. Aquatic production continues to increase. In Germany last year more than 38.000 tons of fishery products produced in aquaculture.

What does aquaculture actually mean??

In aquaculture, controlled production is primarily used for the nutritional branch of aquatic organisms. That is why the often used synonym of the fish farm is not entirely correct. Because it's not just salmon and carp that swim around in aquaculture. Also mussels, Crustaceans or algae can be cultivated here. The systems used range from ponds to special recirculation systems to net enclosures. And not infrequently, this type of artificial breeding is criticized and is the focus of media interest.

Rightly so? Or not?

Nun, it depends. conventional systems, the pesticides, Use growth hormones and antibiotics and do not pay attention to species-appropriate housing and sufficient space for the animals, are rightly criticized. Parasites or degradation products get into open water through open net cages and with them diseases, which endanger wildlife and the natural balance of the environment. The focus here is primarily on economy and no longer on ecology. Profit then comes before sustainability. With more and more organisms, more and more profit should be made in the shortest possible time in the smallest space. And the, although high-quality products cannot be produced in such plants.

Sustainable Aquaculture

The situation is different with sustainable and ecological aquaculture, which can make an important contribution to marine protection. Such systems relieve the wildlife population and ensure the protein supply for billions of people around the world. In sustainable investments, about the certified Naturland aquaculture farms, is the use of genetic engineering, Hormones and chemical additives are strictly regulated or even banned. Locations are chosen with care, to protect surrounding water bodies and ecosystems.

Low stocking densities in the tanks guarantee species-appropriate husbandry of the animals, which also includes certified organic feed. This is how fishmeal and oil come from, which provide important proteins for the often carnivorous animals, for example from leftovers from the processing of edible fish. Conventional plants, on the other hand, usually still rely on industrial fishing for the sole purpose of producing fish feed. Researchers and animal feed manufacturers are already working on innovative concepts, to be even more sustainable, produce protein feed. In the future, insects or various plants such as rapeseed or soy could provide the necessary protein intake.

We have been offering for more than 20 years of fish from Naturland-certified organic aquaculture, such as our Irish organic salmon. Die Naturland certification was an important step for us right from the start, in order to guarantee the highest ecological standards in addition to our conventional products and to be able to produce high-quality food without genetic engineering - with strict attention to animal welfare and the ecological balance. For us, sustainable and clean aquaculture is therefore a future-proof branch of the economy - if it is and remains sustainable.

Buy delicious fish now!

in the mood for Organic fish specialties from Naturland-certified organic aquaculture receive? Then feel free to drop by our shop - between Irish salmon from the rough Atlantic and organic trout from natural waters, everyone is sure to find what they are looking for. Here's the shop!

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