Aquatic food systems: Bridging zero hunger and life below water
- Maria Costa
- Jun 23
- 3 min read
Aquatic food systems are increasingly recognised as a vital intersection between Zero Hunger (SDG 2) and Life Below Water (SDG 14). With rising global demand for nutritious food and escalating pressure on marine ecosystems, aquatic foods, ranging from fish and shellfish to seaweed, offer a compelling, dual-benefit solution. However, scaling these systems sustainably necessitates overcoming ecological, financial, and social hurdles.
Aquatic foods as nutritional powerhouses
Aquatic foods deliver dense concentrations of essential micronutrients such as vitamins A and D, iodine, iron, zinc and long-chain omega-3 fatty acids. The UN has highlighted that relatively small increases in intake during early childhood can significantly reduce stunting and support cognitive development. FAO reports from 2023 note that global fish production reached 189 million tonnes, supplying about 21 kg of aquatic animal protein per person yearly. These figures underscore the potential of aquatic foods in combating malnutrition in vulnerable communities.
Low-impact systems and ecosystem resilience
Seaweed farms and bivalve beds exemplify low-impact aquaculture. These systems enhance water quality, sequester carbon, and bolster habitat health. Bivalves filter water, reducing eutrophication, while seaweed systems capture CO2 and mitigate ocean acidification. Scalable through coastal and small-scale operations, they support biodiversity alongside production.
Poverty reduction and social equity
Aquatic food systems, particularly small-scale fisheries and equitable aquaculture, can play a major role in poverty alleviation. However, this requires robust frameworks: secure resource tenure, gender-inclusive policies, and social protection measures. Supporting artisanal fisheries aligns with the targets of SDG 14.b, enhancing both livelihoods and community resilience.
Scaling challenges and hidden risks
Despite an estimated US$15 trillion blue economy opportunity, only about 1% of global finance is directed toward aquaculture. Southeast Asia alone needs US$2.5 trillion by 2030 to meet sustainable expansion goals. Without substantial investment and blended finance mechanisms, progress may stall.
Yet, environmental risks remain. Unsustainable aquaculture models have caused deforestation (e.g. shrimp ponds), habitat degradation, disease outbreaks, and inefficient feed use. Alarmingly, some farmed species still depend heavily on wild-caught fish for feed, perpetuating marine resource depletion.
Social equity is another concern. Many smallholder producers still lack access to finance, markets, and gender-equal opportunities, limiting their participation in the blue economy.
Innovation at sea: Sustainable models emerging
Several innovative approaches offer promising alternatives:
· Integrated multi-trophic aquaculture (IMTA): Combines fish, shellfish, and seaweed to recycle nutrients, reduce pollution, and diversify income. Now commercially viable in Norway, Scotland, Ireland, and parts of Asia, including post-tsunami Thailand.
· Regenerative ocean farming: Polyculture systems that restore ecosystems while sequestering carbon through seaweed and shellfish.
· Blue carbon financing: New instruments like blue and coral bonds aim to fund reef protection and sustainable aquaculture. However, standardisation and scaling remain significant challenges.
Global society and collaborative progress
Achieving the potential of aquatic food systems hinges on cohesive global cooperation. International bodies like UN agencies, WorldFish, FAO, and regional governments must coordinate efforts, share best practices, align standards, and facilitate finance flows. Private investors, NGOs, researchers, and local communities each have critical roles to play. The promise of aquatic foods lies not only in their nutrition and environmental benefits, but in their ability to unite stakeholders across borders for a shared sustainable future.
Aquatic food systems exemplify a rare and powerful confluence of outcomes: nutritional enhancement, ecosystem restoration, and equitable development. While challenges in finance, policy, and ecology remain, early experiments such as IMTA and blue carbon bonds offer a roadmap. For the global society, the time is now. Scaling blue pathways represents a bold step toward the 2030 goals.
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