By Mr.Ramakanth Akula, CEO, The Water Base Limited
World Fisheries Day, celebrated annually on November 21, highlights the critical importance of aquatic ecosystems in supporting global livelihoods, food supply, and sustainability. As natural fish catches dwindle due to overfishing and environmental degradation, aquaculture has emerged as a beacon of hope in meeting the ever-growing demand for seafood. Its unique ability to supply high-quality, lean protein on a sustainable basis positions it as an indispensable player in ensuring global food security.
Seafood is an exceptional source of lean, nutrient-dense protein. Unlike other animal proteins, seafoodespecially farmed fish and shrimpprovides essential amino acids, omega-3 fatty acids, and micronutrients like selenium, iodine, and zinc in a form that is easily digestible and widely consumed. As the global population rises beyond 8 billion, the demand for such high-quality protein is skyrocketing, and aquaculture has proven its capacity to bridge the supply gap.
In recent years, aquaculture has outpaced wild-capture fisheries in its contribution to global seafood production, now accounting for more than 50% of all seafood consumed across India. This rapid growth is largely attributed to advancements in technology, improved managementpractices, and a growing understanding of sustainable farming methods.
For species like shrimp, salmon, tilapia, and catfish, aquaculture systems have enabled scalable, predictable production cycles while reducing pressure on overexploited wild fish stocks. By meeting the increasing demand for seafood, aquaculture ensures that protein-rich diets remain accessible even in regions where natural catches are no longer sufficient.
The shrimps are the best form of Lean and high nutrient foods. The shrimps are low in saturated fat yet rich in essential fatty acids, making it a heart-healthy choice. Its high bioavailability of nutrients makes it a superior protein source compared to plant-based or heavily processed alternatives.
TheSeafood forms a crucial part of the diet in many coastal and island nations, where it often constitutes the primary protein source. As aquaculture expands, even landlocked regions gain access to this vital nutrition through improved supply chains.
The Comparison to terrestrial livestock farming, aquaculture typically requires less land, water, and feed to produce equivalent amounts of protein. This makes it a more resource-efficient option in addressing global protein demands.
One of aquaculture’s most significant contributions to food security lies in its ability to produce sustainable protein. Modern aquaculture practices focus on minimizing environmental impact while maximizing yield
As seafood consumption grows globally, aquaculture has become a major contributor to international trade. Farmed shrimp, for instance, is one of the most traded seafood products worldwide, with exporters like India, Vietnam, and Ecuador playing a leading role. This global trade not only strengthens economies but also ensures that seafood remains a viable protein option in regions where local production is limited.
TheWorld Fisheries week serves as a reminder of our collective responsibility to protect and sustainably manage aquatic resources. As aquaculture continues to grow, its success will depend on balancing production needs with environmental preservation and equitable distribution.This includes investing in innovative technologies, promoting sustainable certification standards, and raising awareness about the importance of seafood in a balanced diet.
