Aquatic foods are an important part of global food systems being increasingly recognized as a priority for climate action, yet they are often overlooked in climate discussions and underfunded in mitigation and adaptation financing. In 2022, aquaculture production surpassed capture fisheries in aquatic animal production for the first time. As aquaculture expands, strategic planning and investment are essential to reduce aquaculture’s vulnerability to climate change as well as controlling greenhouse gases (GHG) emissions. Addressing climate impacts on aquaculture and leveraging their potential for climate action requires their integration into national climate strategies. Climate decision-makers have an opportunity to use growing momentum and insights into aquaculture to develop concrete policy strategies that can support the sector in the face of climate change. FAO, in collaboration with Stanford Center for Ocean Solutions, WorldFish, Beijer Institute of Ecological Economics, CARE, and Environmental Defense Fund, published “Integrating blue foods into national climate strategies: Enhancing nationally determined contributions and strengthening climate action”. The document outlines policy options organized into five intervention areas, including aquaculture.
Generally, the aquaculture sector has lower GHG emission than other livestock food systems. Among aquaculture systems, there is a considerable variation in GHG emissions considering the different farming practices and geographic regions, as well as farmed species. Sustainable aquaculture management offers significant potential for reducing GHG emissions in existing systems. Integrated multi-trophic aquaculture systems, which cultivate species like sea cucumbers alongside finfish, can enhance resource efficiency and contribute to carbon sequestration. Targeted investments in sustainable and aquaculture with lower carbon footprint can support low-emission development strategies, addressing both poverty and food and nutrition insecurity.
Policymakers, alongside researchers, communities and stakeholders, can prioritize mitigation measures in three key actions. First, improving aquaculture feed and feeding management. Second, transitioning energy inputs to renewable ones and reducing energy use, and third, promoting the expansion of low-input, non-fed aquaculture and integrated systems. Policymakers can adapt these policy options to Nationally Determined Contributions as well as consider their relevance in other areas of climate planning, including water and waste management, nutrition, and economic development.