It is not very difficult to find tons of criticisms against aquaculture. Which are the current ones, as seen on Internet ?
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“Shrimp's Dirty Secrets”
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“Shrimp's Dirty Secrets”
In his book, Bottomfeeder: How to Eat Ethically in a World of Vanishing Seafood, Taras Grescoe paints a repulsive picture of how shrimp are farmed in one region of India [7].
Aquaculture blamed for the decline of wild stocksThe presence of the Canadian fisheries minister in Trondheim, Norway this week at the annual Aqua Nor trade show, an international aquaculture trade show fuels protest. As a matter of fact, Norwegian companies are being blamed for the decline of wild stocks of Pacific Salmon, due to their contribution to the spread of sea lice to wild populations. Earlier this month, Canadian celebrity William Shatner made news by sending a letter to federal and provincial leaders asking that fish farms be removed from wild salmon routes [1]. The BC salmon aquaculture industry has been one of the most criticized in the province. Nevertheless , the industry continues to expand and both the provincial and federal government continue to promote it. The opposition is led by The Coastal Alliance for Aquaculture Reform (CAAR) - a 9-member organization composed of First Nations groups, the fishing community and the conservation community [2].
Aquaculture blamed for water pollution and metal toxicity
[3] reports that toxic contaminants from a "notorious" salmon farm are having a lasting, negative effect on the seabed in the farm's vicinity, according to a new B.C. government report. An August 2009 Environment Ministry study estimates that the salmon farm will degrade seabed marine life as much as 100 metres from the site of the farm for 15 years dating from the farm's 2004 shutdown. The report warns that the toxic effects from metals released from the farm, notably zinc and copper, could last significantly longer. Copper is part of an "anti-fouling" agent used to deter growth of algae and barnacles on sea pen nets, while zinc is present in fish food and subsequently defecated. The report said that while oxygen-deficient organic material, notably fish waste, will be flushed away, "metal toxicity" is a persistent concern for so-called benthic organisms, including oysters and clams [3].
Aquaculture and risks involved with transgenic fish
Fast growing transgenic fish can revolutionise commercial fish farming and relieve the pressure on overexploited fish stocks. Researchers at the University of Gothenburg have studied transgenic fish on behalf of the EU and are urging caution: -Until further notice transgenic fish should be bred in closed systems on land. Transgenic fish can be more resistant to environmental toxins, which could entail the accumulation of toxins that ultimately end up in consumers. There are also misgivings that the higher level of growth hormone in the fish can affect people. Transgenic fish also have a considerably greater effect on the natural environment than hatchery-reared non-transgenic fish when they escape. If transgenic fish become established in natural stocks they would be able to outcompete the natural breeds. However, conducting studies in a laboratory environment that imitates nature is complicated, which makes it difficult to predict how escaped transgenic fish affect the natural environment. One option is to farm the transgenic fish on land, which would make escape impossible. At least fertile fish should be kept in a closed system [4].
Aquaculture and tourism
Various fish farms, allegedly illegally sited within Malta's bays, are attracting sharks and barracudas. This situation is putting local bathers and tourists unnecessarily at risk of attacks from these predators [5].
Fish farming killing Israel's coral reefs
Eilat's corals are facing extinction and the colorful translucent fish are disappearing because of what environmentalists say is a lucrative fish-farm industry in the region's waters. Experts say Eilat's reefs will soon be wiped out unless the government swiftly closes companies that breed some five million fish a year in cages and are operating without permits. The fish firms deny any direct link with the coral decline [6].
REFERENCESAquaculture blamed for water pollution and metal toxicity
[3] reports that toxic contaminants from a "notorious" salmon farm are having a lasting, negative effect on the seabed in the farm's vicinity, according to a new B.C. government report. An August 2009 Environment Ministry study estimates that the salmon farm will degrade seabed marine life as much as 100 metres from the site of the farm for 15 years dating from the farm's 2004 shutdown. The report warns that the toxic effects from metals released from the farm, notably zinc and copper, could last significantly longer. Copper is part of an "anti-fouling" agent used to deter growth of algae and barnacles on sea pen nets, while zinc is present in fish food and subsequently defecated. The report said that while oxygen-deficient organic material, notably fish waste, will be flushed away, "metal toxicity" is a persistent concern for so-called benthic organisms, including oysters and clams [3].
Aquaculture and risks involved with transgenic fish
Fast growing transgenic fish can revolutionise commercial fish farming and relieve the pressure on overexploited fish stocks. Researchers at the University of Gothenburg have studied transgenic fish on behalf of the EU and are urging caution: -Until further notice transgenic fish should be bred in closed systems on land. Transgenic fish can be more resistant to environmental toxins, which could entail the accumulation of toxins that ultimately end up in consumers. There are also misgivings that the higher level of growth hormone in the fish can affect people. Transgenic fish also have a considerably greater effect on the natural environment than hatchery-reared non-transgenic fish when they escape. If transgenic fish become established in natural stocks they would be able to outcompete the natural breeds. However, conducting studies in a laboratory environment that imitates nature is complicated, which makes it difficult to predict how escaped transgenic fish affect the natural environment. One option is to farm the transgenic fish on land, which would make escape impossible. At least fertile fish should be kept in a closed system [4].
Aquaculture and tourism
Various fish farms, allegedly illegally sited within Malta's bays, are attracting sharks and barracudas. This situation is putting local bathers and tourists unnecessarily at risk of attacks from these predators [5].
Fish farming killing Israel's coral reefs
Eilat's corals are facing extinction and the colorful translucent fish are disappearing because of what environmentalists say is a lucrative fish-farm industry in the region's waters. Experts say Eilat's reefs will soon be wiped out unless the government swiftly closes companies that breed some five million fish a year in cages and are operating without permits. The fish firms deny any direct link with the coral decline [6].
[1] http://thetyee.ca/Blogs/TheHook/Environment/2009/08/20/AquacultureTradeshow/ (consulted on August 24, 2009)
[2] http://www.cjly.net/deconstructingdinner/020206.htm (consulted on August 24, 2009)
[3] http://www.timescolonist.com/Island%20fish%20farm%20toxic%20effect/1930589/story.html (consulted on August 28, 2009)
[4] http://www.eurekalert.org/pub_releases/2009-08/uog-riw083109.php (consulted on August 31, 2009)
[5] http://www.timesofmalta.com/articles/view/20090915/letters/bathing-and-fish-farming-do-not-mix-1 (consulted on September 17, 2009)
[6] http://www.cdnn.info/eco/e040701/e040701.html (consulted on November 3, 2009)
[7] http://www.alternet.org/food/145369/shrimp%27s_dirty_secrets%3A_why_america%27s_favorite_seafood_is_a_health_and_environmental_nightmare/ (consulted on January 29, 2010)
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