Climate change and increased pressures on freshwater and land resources have affected our capacity to produce food for the growing population. As a result, food security has become one of the most pressing challenges we are currently facing. In search of a solution, our attention has turned to marine aquaculture. Food coming from marine aquaculture is known to have some of the lowest carbon footprints among animal products. Moreover, producing marine food at a lower trophic level delivers additional environmental benefits through ecosystem services, which are fundamental to creating a sustainable food system.
Together with a number of other academic institutions, UiT has developed an interdisciplinary online course on Sustainable Aquaculture for Low Trophic Species (SALTS) which takes you on a journey of exploring the principles and practices of low trophic aquaculture. The course provides a holistic view of the most recent developments in low trophic aquaculture, focusing on selected species groups, including molluscs, echinoderms, macroalgae and freshwater fish. Throughout the course, we cover various topics, including the biology of the four species groups, the design and operation of the cultivation practices, and their environmental impact. Economic and social aspects of aquaculture and the policies and regulations that govern the industry are also explored, and an interdisciplinary approach is used to deepen the understanding of the subject matter and provide knowledge and skills essential to contribute to a sustainable industry.
So far, SALTS have had more than 600 students, have awarded more than 70 diplomas, and is in the process of being translated into Spanish.