With some media suggesting that there is hunger in America, the advent of the COVID-19 pandemic revealed a number of weaknesses within the US urban food system. Across the United States, municipalities stepped forward, some with the help of American rescue funds, to address this issue. Food banks, food, distribution methodologies, and other channels were rapidly employed. In addition, food production from urban agriculture has become increasingly of interest. The question is, within urban ag, what is the role that aquaculture, specifically, Aquaponics including its potential to produce markable fish and crustaceans, can play?
This study with a focus on the Phoenix Arizona metropolitan area, examines the question of urban aquaculture through aquaponics. It summarizes the characteristics of urban aquaponics, and explores the social, environmental and economic opportunities and constraints to its implementation in a desert city.