The United Nations Sustainability Goals, a blueprint for a better and more sustainable future, are intrinsically linked to the aquaculture industry, particularly the burgeoning field of Land-Based Aquaculture. As the demand for non-meat-based protein sources rises and environmental concerns grow, land-based aquaculture emerges as a promising solution to address several of these critical global challenges.
Land-based aquaculture offers a game-changing adaptation: it requires no antibiotics, and neither the fish nor their waste interacts with a surrounding marine environment. Recirculating Aquaculture Systems (RAS) are at the forefront of this transformation. They allow for the efficient cleansing, reuse, and sustainable disposal of wastewater, minimizing environmental impact. This not only safeguards existing aquatic ecosystems but also presents opportunities for carbon-negative operations.
The environmental benefits extend beyond wastewater management. Waste products from land-based fish farms can be harnessed to produce fertilizers and biofuels, paving the way for a more circular economy.
In the pursuit of UN Sustainability Goals, land-based aquaculture offers a path forward by aligning with several key objectives, including:
UN Sustainable Development Goal #12: Responsible Consumption and Production
Our Mixed Cell RASWay is a great example of this goal. The efficiency of solids removal and resulting water quality is unmatched by other systems on the market, while the energy consumption remains low. For reference, conventional round tank systems have a range of 5.5 kW to > 9 kW per kilo produced. The RASWay has a range of 2.8 kW to 3.4 kW per kilo produced.
UN Sustainable Development Goal #13: Climate Action
The legacy infrastructure that comes with our Gold River location, a former pulp and paper mill means that we can give a new ecological purpose to an existing commercial site while ensuring our carbon footprint is minimal when it comes to distribution to commercial markets in Vancouver. In addition, by decoupling fish production from the marine environment, we remove the need for ocean space.
UN Sustainable Development Goal #14: Life Below Water
Our highly controlled growing environment is land-based, eliminating effects on sensitive marine habitats. Our processing is void of all antibiotics, added hormones, GMOs, microplastics, pesticides, and pollution.
By embracing innovative solutions like RAS technology, aquaculture not only meets the growing demand for non-meat-based protein but also contributes to a more sustainable and environmentally friendly future. As the industry evolves, it plays a pivotal role in addressing global challenges and advancing the UN’s vision of a better world for all.