Sustainability in Fish Production

Laura-Mihály-Karnai Ph.D.

assistant professor

University of Debrecen

Faculty of Economics and Business

2024

"Creativity - Theory and Practice (2024)"

International Interdisciplinary E-Conference

Conceptual Framework of Sustainability

• The concept of sustainability dates back centuries.
• Increasing focus since the 1980s due to rapid population growth
• Challenges of Earth's carrying capacity
• Overloading biocapacity leads to resource depletion
• Sustainability frequently includes:
• Meeting present needs (PERSÁNYI, 1988. p. 62.; FAO, 1991; AGENDA, 1993; TÖRVÉNY, 1995; GYULAI, 2002; EC, 2011; GYULAI, 2011; LUGSCHITZ et al., 2011; MEDVÉNÉ SZABAD, 2013; SZLÁVIK, 2013)
• Ensuring future generations' needs (PERSÁNYI, 1988. p. 62.; FAO, 1991; AGENDA, 1993; TÖRVÉNY, 1995; GYULAI, 2002; EC, 2011; GYULAI, 2011; LUGSCHITZ et al., 2011; MEDVÉNÉ SZABAD, 2013; NFFT 2013; SZLÁVIK, 2013)
• Economic and social development (WORLD RESOURCES INSTITUTE, 1992; TÖRVÉNY, 1995; NFFT 2013)
• Preservation of natural values (FAO, 1991; WORLD RESOURCES INSTITUTE, 1992; AGENDA, 1993; TÖRVÉNY, 1995; EC, 2011; GYULAI, 2011; LUGSCHITZ et al., 2011; NFFT 2013)

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Source: ClarenceHouse, 2017

What is sustainable fishing?

Key principles of sustainable fishing include:

Sustainable fishing refers to the practice of harvesting fish in ways that ensure the long-term health and stability of fish populations and the ecosystems they inhabit.

Maintaining Fish Populations: Ensuring that fish are caught at a rate that allows populations to regenerate.

Ecosystem Preservation: Minimizing bycatch (unintended capture of other species) and reducing damage to marine habitats.

Adhering to Regulations: Following guidelines on quotas, seasonal fishing bans, and gear restrictions to protect marine biodiversity.

Long-term Viability: Balancing economic, environmental, and social factors to support livelihoods and communities dependent on fisheries.

Why is Sustainable Fishing Important?

1. Protecting Marine Ecosystems: Overfishing disrupts food chains and marine ecosystems, leading to the decline of not only fish populations but also the species that depend on them. Sustainable fishing helps maintain biodiversity and ecosystem balance.

2. Ensuring Food Security: Fish is a primary source of protein for billions of people worldwide. Sustainable practices ensure that future generations can rely on fish as a consistent food source.

3. Economic Stability: The fishing industry supports millions of jobs globally. Unsustainable fishing depletes resources, leading to long-term economic losses for communities and businesses reliant on fisheries.

4. Preserving Coastal Communities: Many coastal regions depend on fishing for their way of life. Sustainable fishing supports these communities by promoting fair access to resources and equitable distribution of benefits.

5. Combatting Climate Change: Healthy fish populations contribute to carbon sequestration and overall ocean health. Unsustainable practices can exacerbate climate change by disrupting these natural processes.

6. Global Impact: Overfishing in one region affects migratory species and interconnected ecosystems, underscoring the importance of global cooperation in sustainable fisheries management.

Sustainability in Aquaculture

• The aquaculture sector, like most agricultural sectors, faces challenges regarding growth sustainability.
• Economically viable and socially acceptable practices
• The goal is to presenve natural resources (land, water, biodiversity)
• It is a challenge that aquaculture production has increased significantly
• Critical role in meeting protein demands

Sustainable Aquaculture

The main challange in the future is not only to produce more, but also to do this in a sustainable way…

Environmental Sustainability

• In aquaculture, this pillar relates to water, energy, nutrient use, and land requirements.
• Recirculating Aquaculture Systems (RAS) as a solution (relatively low water usage, high stocking density, and capacity to produce substantial fish biomass).
• In addition to water, reducing energy use is a key environmental and sustainability goal. This is especially critical for intensive systems, where efficient energy use is paramount.
• The goal is to balance production intensity and resource conservation.

Economic Sustainability

• This poses a significant challenge for aquaculture in terms of sustainability, as meeting growing demand raises concerns about the production of fish species reliant on fishmeal-based feed.
• Ensuring profitability and market stability
• Balancing costs with environmental goals
• Challenges with feed production and logistics
• Promoting local markets and short supply chains

Social Sustainability

• Complex Social Impact: Includes employment capacity, workplace conditions, public health, nutrition, recreation, and cultural preservation (e.g., Eastern European pond farming traditions).
• Tourism and Multifunctional Use: Wetlands and fishponds play an increasing role in domestic tourism, with recreational and ecological services often exceeding the economic value of fish production.
• Reduction of Fishing Pressure: Small fishponds used for recreational fishing help alleviate the pressure on natural water bodies.
• Employment in Rural Areas: Fish farming enterprises provide jobs for low-skilled workers in disadvantaged rural regions, contributing to local economic sustainability.
• Public Awareness and Acceptance: Promoting social recognition ("social license") and acceptance of aquaculture is crucial for its future development and integration into society.
• Social License as a Development Criterion: The growing need for societal approval is becoming a key factor in planning aquaculture-related programs.

Conclusion

• Sustainability in aquaculture involves balancing environmental, economic, and social dimensions.
• The economic, social, and environmental sustainability of domestic fish production is a pressing issue, with increasing efforts in the sector to develop new methods and safeguard aquatic resources to ensure fish supply for future generations.
• Innovations and efficient practices are crucial for long-term growth
• Importance of integrating local and global sustainability efforts
• Sectoral research must continue to support the development of international relations in domestic carp production and ensure that sustainable carp production remains a key focus in development aid provided to developing countries, as it has been to date.

Thank you �for your attention!

karnai.laura@econ.unideb.hu