Aquaculture continues to grow at a remarkable rate over the past decades, accounting for 51% of global aquatic food production, surpassing capture fisheries and 59% when including seaweed. Although the fastest growing food production sector globally, average growth rate of 5.6%, it remains subject to significant environmental impacts and risks and negative consumer perceptions. Improving and fostering knowledge development and analytical data on the positive contribution of the aquaculture sector to the environment and options to reduce its environmental burden is essential for its future sustainability. The World Bank undertook an analytics study on key technical actions aimed at fostering knowledge to advise investments in the aquaculture sector. This study focused on promoting the provision of ecosystem services and environmental co-benefits, with special emphasis on integrated and restorative strategies and tools. Integrated and restorative actions optimize the use of natural resources, minimize waste generation, promote circular economies, maintain ecosystems, and conserve biodiversity while mitigating and adapting to climate change (Figure 1).
In the case of the African continent, numerous investment options for sustainable and environmentally conscious aquaculture systems exist, including integrated, restorative, and multitrophic systems, but data, both technical and economic, are needed to determine their economic viability.