A Sustainable Path to Optimal Health - Regenerative Aquaculture
If you love fish and seafood like me, it’s important you know where your fish comes from and how it’s harvested. Why? Your health depends on it. Heavy metals, mercury, microplastics, antibiotics, steroids, and more can all be found in farm raised (grocery store) fish, all of which have devastating impact on your health.
The way we source our fish is a topic of increasing importance as the global demand for seafood continues to rise, the impact on marine ecosystems, and even concerns about human health. Traditionally, there have been two primary sources: farm-raised and wild-caught. However, a third method, regenerative fish farming, is gaining attention for its potential to actually provide a sustainable alternative.
In this article I’ll provide the pros and the cons, as well as explore the key differences between these three methods, and share the only type of farming you should be sourcing the fish on your plate from.
Farm-Raised Fishing
Because this is the primary source of fish people consume, I will spend the majority of our time explaining this in detail the concerns I, and so many statisticians, researchers, biologists, Functional Medicine and Holistic healthcare practitioners have, so you understand why I encourage people NOT to eat farm raised (store bought) fish.
Farm-raised fishing, also known as aquaculture, involves breeding, rearing, and harvesting fish in a controlled environment. This can take place in tanks, ponds, or enclosed sections of the ocean. The primary advantage of farm-raised fishing is its ability to produce large quantities of fish in a relatively small area, helping to meet the global demand for seafood.
Pros:
Controlled Environment: Farmers can control the conditions in which the fish live, including water quality, temperature, and diet.
Efficiency: High-density farming can yield a large number of fish in a relatively small space.
Stability: Provides a consistent supply of fish regardless of seasonal changes or overfishing concerns.
Cons:
Overuse of Antibiotics: This is arguable one of the biggest concerns. As much as 80% of your immune system arises from the microbiome, the healthy bacteria in your gut – large intestine - you cannot live without). Yes, you read that correctly. Your immune system is powered by the symbiotic relationship between you and the bacteria in your gut. of the large intestine. Most people I talk to are completely unaware that they are consuming antibiotics every day in their beef, their chicken, their fish, milk, and other products. This daily consumption of antibiotics is like declaring war on your immune system. It decimates your immune system over time increasing susceptibility to not only transient illness like the cold or flu, but also the development of chronic disease.
In aquaculture, antibiotics are commonly used to prevent and treat bacterial infections in fish populations. However, the overuse of antibiotics has lead to several problems:
Antibiotic Resistance: The frequent use of antibiotics can promote the development of antibiotic-resistant bacteria. These resistant strains can spread to the environment and potentially to humans, reducing the effectiveness of antibiotics for treating infections.
Residues in Fish: Antibiotic residues can remain in the fish even after harvest, posing a risk to consumers who may ingest these residues, potentially leading to allergic reactions or antibiotic resistance.
Disease Management: Dense stocking conditions in fish farms can create an ideal environment for the spread of diseases and parasites. Common issues include:
Outbreaks: Diseases can spread rapidly in crowded conditions, leading to significant mortality rates and the need for increased use of medications.
Transmission to Wild Populations: Diseases and parasites from farm-raised fish can escape into the wild, posing a threat to native fish populations and biodiversity.
Vaccines: While vaccines are increasingly used as a preventive measure, they are not effective against all diseases and can add to the overall cost of aquaculture operations.
Waste Production: Fish farming generates tremendous amounts of waste in the form of uneaten feed, excrement (rivaling, in mass, that of humans), and chemical residues. This waste can have several environmental impacts:
Eutrophication: Excess nutrients from fish waste can lead to algal blooms, depleting oxygen levels in the water and creating "dead zones" where aquatic life cannot survive.
Contamination: Chemicals and antibiotics used in fish farms can accumulate in sediments and affect the health of bottom-dwelling organisms.
Habitat Degradation: The discharge of waste can lead to the degradation of surrounding habitats, affecting the overall health of aquatic ecosystems.
Adverse Effects on Human Health: Consuming farm-raised fish that have been exposed to antibiotics, chemicals, and diseases can have several potential health risks:
Chemical Contaminants: Some farm-raised fish may contain higher levels of pollutants, such as PCBs and dioxins, compared to wild-caught fish.
Nutritional Differences: The nutritional profile of farm-raised fish can differ from wild-caught fish, with considerably lower levels of beneficial omega-3 fatty acids and higher levels of omega-6 fatty acids.
Allergies and Sensitivities: Individuals with allergies or sensitivities to certain antibiotics or chemicals may experience adverse reactions to consuming farm-raised fish.
While aquaculture is a vital source of seafood, the overuse of antibiotics, disease management, waste production, and potential adverse effects on human health are significant challenges that need to be addressed. Implementing sustainable aquaculture practices, such as reducing stocking densities, using integrated multi-trophic aquaculture (IMTA) systems, and developing alternative treatments for diseases, can help mitigate these issues and ensure the long-term viability of fish farming.
Wild-Caught Fishing
Wild-caught fishing involves capturing fish from their natural habitats, such as oceans, rivers, and lakes. This method is often praised for providing a more natural and potentially healthier product. But it comes with negative impacts on ecosystems and human health.
Pros:
Natural Diet: Wild fish feed on a natural diet, which can result in a better flavor and nutritional profile.
Ecosystem Balance: Sustainable wild fishing practices can help maintain the balance of marine ecosystems.
No Contaminants from Farming: Wild-caught fish are not exposed to the antibiotics and chemicals used in fish farms.
Cons:
While wild-caught fish are often praised for their natural diet and perceived health benefits, there are several cons associated with this method of fishing, one of which is the presence of microplastics.
Overfishing: One of the most significant drawbacks of wild-caught fish is overfishing. The demand for certain species can lead to unsustainable fishing practices, depleting fish stocks and disrupting marine ecosystems. Overfishing can result in the collapse of fish populations, affecting not only the species in question but also the broader ecological balance of the ocean.
Bycatch: Bycatch refers to the unintentional capture of non-target species, such as whales, sharks, dolphins, manta rays, turtles, and other marine life, during fishing operations. Anyone seeing how commercial fishing operates can see this is an enormous problem and has an enormous effect on the balance of marine life and entire ecosystems.
For every targeted fish caught, current estimates of bycatch to targeted fish are between 5.7:1 – 20:1 of bycatch to targeted fish. Said another way, a range of 6 to 20 fish died to put one fish on your plate.
Not only are millions of pounds of fish thrown away every day, but scientists estimate that as many as 650,000 whales, dolphins and seals were killed around the world each year throughout the 1990s as a result of bycatch. [1]
This can have a devastating impact on marine biodiversity and can lead to the decline of vulnerable species. Bycatch is often considered one of the most pressing issues in the fishing industry, as it results in the wasteful loss of millions of tons of marine life each year.
Habitat Destruction: Certain fishing methods, such as bottom trawling, can cause significant damage to marine habitats. This method involves dragging heavy nets across the ocean floor to catch fish, which can destroy coral reefs, seagrass beds, and other vital ecosystems. The destruction of these habitats can have long-term effects on the health of marine environments and the species that rely on them.
Microplastics: Microplastics are small plastic particles less than 5 millimeters in size that can be found in marine environments. They originate from various sources, including the breakdown of larger plastic debris, cosmetic products, and synthetic fibers from clothing. Microplastics have been found in virtually all wild-caught fish, posing a significant concern for both marine life and human health.
Fish ingest microplastics directly from the water or through their prey and in this way act as a vector for these same plastics to enter us. It’s important to note, that in a recent study 80% of participants in the study were found to have microplastics in their blood. This can lead to physical harm, such as blockages in the digestive system, and can also affect their growth and reproductive capabilities, decreasing their bio-availability in the future.
Human Health Risks of Microplastics:
When humans consume fish that contain microplastics, the fish the become a vector for of these plastics to enter the human body. Microplastics consist of synthetic petroleum-based chemicals that are toxic to the human body. In addition, these plastics can absorb countless pollutants from the water, such as heavy metals and Persistent Organic Pollutants (POPs) that are a global concern because of their potential for long-range transport and ability to bio-magnify and bio-accumulate in ecosystems. These are hazardous chemicals that can be widely distributed throughout the aquatic environment of the oceans and are toxic to both humans and wildlife. Some common POPs include: Bisphenol A (BPA), Hexachlorobenzene, Polybrominated Diphenyl Ether, Polychlorinated Biphenyl, Chlorphenotane, Perfluorooctanesulfonic Acid, Dioxin. Dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane (DDT). All of these are known carcinogens amongst other things.
When fish ingest these plastics, the pollutants can bioaccumulate in their tissues, potentially leading to toxicity in fish. In this way wild caught fish pose certain health risks such as endocrine disruption, inflammation, and even cancer. Beyond the immediate concerns, there are other concerns including:
Digestive System Impact: Microplastics can accumulate in the gastrointestinal tract, potentially leading to physical damage, inflammation, or interference with nutrient absorption.
Immune System System: The body's immune system may react to microplastics as foreign objects, potentially leading to inflammation and other immune responses.
Reproductive and Developmental Effects: Some studies suggest that exposure to microplastics and the chemicals they carry may have adverse effects on reproductive health and fetal development.
While wild-caught fish are often seen as a viable, for their natural qualities, there are several downsides to this method of fishing, including overfishing, bycatch, habitat destruction, and the presence of microplastics. Addressing these issues requires sustainable fishing practices, improved regulations, and a concerted effort to reduce plastic pollution in our oceans.
Regenerative Fish Farming
In my humble opinion, this is the ONLY fish you should be eating.
Regenerative fishing, also known as regenerative aquaculture or restorative aquaculture, is an innovative approach to seafood production that goes beyond sustainability. It aims not only to minimize negative impacts on the environment but also to actively restore and enhance marine ecosystems. As best as I can, I’ll provide a detailed synopsis of the benefits and advances made by regenerative fishing and why we should be supporting this initiative:
Benefits of Regenerative Fishing
Ecosystem Restoration: Regenerative fishing practices focus on rebuilding and revitalizing marine habitats, such as oyster reefs, seagrass beds, and mangrove forests. By restoring these critical ecosystems, regenerative aquaculture supports biodiversity and enhances the overall health of the marine environment.
Carbon Sequestration: Certain regenerative aquaculture practices, like seaweed farming, can sequester carbon dioxide from the atmosphere, helping to mitigate climate change. Seaweeds absorb CO2 for photosynthesis, and when they are harvested and used in products or as biofuel, the carbon is effectively removed from the cycle.
Water Quality Improvement: Shellfish such as oysters, mussels, and clams filter the water as they feed, removing excess nutrients and pollutants. This natural filtration process can improve water clarity and quality, reducing the risk of harmful algal blooms and creating a healthier environment for other marine life.
Sustainable Livelihoods: Regenerative fishing provides sustainable livelihoods for coastal communities. It offers a viable alternative to overfishing and destructive fishing practices, ensuring long-term economic benefits while preserving marine resources.
Advances in Regenerative Fishing
Integrated Multi-Trophic Aquaculture (IMTA): IMTA is a form of regenerative aquaculture that involves cultivating multiple species from different trophic levels (e.g., seaweed, shellfish, and finfish) in the same system. This approach mimics natural ecosystems, where the waste from one species becomes a resource for another, creating a balanced and efficient cycle.
Permaculture Aquaculture: Inspired by permaculture principles, this approach focuses on creating self-sustaining aquaculture systems that mimic natural processes. It emphasizes diversity, closed-loop systems, and the use of renewable resources to create a harmonious and productive environment.
Ecosystem-Based Management: Advances in regenerative fishing include the adoption of ecosystem-based management practices, which consider the entire ecosystem, including human interactions, in the planning and management of aquaculture activities. This holistic approach ensures that regenerative efforts are aligned with the broader ecological context.
Innovative Technologies: The use of new technologies, such as remote sensing, drones, and smart farming systems, is advancing regenerative fishing practices. These tools enable better monitoring and management of aquaculture operations, ensuring that they remain regenerative and sustainable.
Policy and Certification: The development of policies and certification programs specifically tailored to regenerative aquaculture is an important advance. These frameworks provide guidelines and standards for regenerative practices, encouraging adoption and ensuring that the benefits are realized.
In conclusion, regenerative fishing represents a promising shift in the way we approach seafood production. By focusing on the restoration and enhancement of marine ecosystems, regenerative aquaculture offers a pathway to a more sustainable and resilient future for our oceans and coastal communities. As advances continue to be made in this field, the potential for positive environmental and social impacts grows.
As consumers, it's important to be informed about the sources of our seafood and the implications of our choices. By supporting sustainable practices and being mindful of the environmental and social impacts of fishing, we can help ensure a healthy future for ourselves, our children, our oceans, and the fish populations they support.
Sources:
Read, A., Drinker, P., and Northridge, S. 2005. Bycatch of marine mammals
in U.S. and global fisheries. Conservation Biology 20: 163-9.
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