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Environmental, economic, and social sustainability in aquaculture: the aquaculture performance indicators

Author

Listed:
  • Taryn M. Garlock

    (Auburn University)

  • Frank Asche

    (University of Florida
    University of Stavanger)

  • James L. Anderson

    (University of Florida)

  • Håkan Eggert

    (University of Gothenburg)

  • Thomas M. Anderson

    (University of Florida
    University of California at Davis)

  • Bin Che

    (Shanghai Ocean University)

  • Carlos A. Chávez

    (Universidad de Talca and Interdisciplinary Center for Aquaculture Research)

  • Jingjie Chu

    (The World Bank)

  • Nnaemeka Chukwuone

    (University of Nigeria Nsukka)

  • Madan M. Dey

    (Texas State University)

  • Kevin Fitzsimmons

    (University of Arizona)

  • Jimely Flores

    (Environmental Defense Fund)

  • Jordi Guillen

    (European Commission Joint Research Centre)

  • Ganesh Kumar

    (Mississippi State University)

  • Lijun Liu

    (University of Florida)

  • Ignacio Llorente

    (Universidad de Cantabria)

  • Ly Nguyen

    (Florida A&M University)

  • Rasmus Nielsen

    (University of Copenhagen)

  • Ruth B. M. Pincinato

    (University of Stavanger)

  • Pratheesh O. Sudhakaran

    (Texas State University)

  • Byela Tibesigwa

    (University of Dar Es Salaam)

  • Ragnar Tveteras

    (University of Stavanger)

Abstract

Aquaculture is a rapidly growing food production technology, but there are significant concerns related to its environmental impact and adverse social effects. We examine aquaculture outcomes in a three pillars of sustainability framework by analyzing data collected using the Aquaculture Performance Indicators. Using this approach, comparable data has been collected for 57 aquaculture systems worldwide on 88 metrics that measure social, economic, or environmental outcomes. We first examine the relationships among the three pillars of sustainability and then analyze performance in the three pillars by technology and species. The results show that economic, social, and environmental outcomes are, on average, mutually reinforced in global aquaculture systems. However, the analysis also shows significant variation in the degree of sustainability in different aquaculture systems, and weak performance of some production systems in some dimensions provides opportunity for innovative policy measures and investment to further align sustainability objectives.

Suggested Citation

  • Taryn M. Garlock & Frank Asche & James L. Anderson & Håkan Eggert & Thomas M. Anderson & Bin Che & Carlos A. Chávez & Jingjie Chu & Nnaemeka Chukwuone & Madan M. Dey & Kevin Fitzsimmons & Jimely Flore, 2024. "Environmental, economic, and social sustainability in aquaculture: the aquaculture performance indicators," Nature Communications, Nature, vol. 15(1), pages 1-9, December.
    • Handle: RePEc:nat:natcom:v:15:y:2024:i:1:d:10.1038_s41467-024-49556-8
    DOI: 10.1038/s41467-024-49556-8
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    References listed on IDEAS

    as
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