Proceedings NAS Study - Omega-3 Demand For Aquaculture Stripping Oceans Globally - Mongabay

[hatrack]

The ever-growing demand for fish and fish oil due to their omega-3 fatty acids has led to exponential growth in the aquaculture industry—and depletion of the world's oceans. While aquaculture is farmed fish, the fish are fed with wild marine species.

In a paper published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences researchers announced that from 1995 to 2007 global production of farmed fish nearly tripled. This year the industry is set to reach a new landmark: aquaculture will account for 50 percent of the fish consumed globally.

"The huge expansion is being driven by demand," said lead author Rosamond L. Naylor, a professor of environmental Earth system science at Stanford University and director of the Stanford Program on Food Security and the Environment. "As long as we are a health-conscious population trying to get our most healthy oils from fish, we are going to be demanding more of aquaculture and putting a lot of pressure on marine fisheries to meet that need." Wild species that are not in great demand commercially, such as anchoveta and sardines, are ground up into fishmeal and fish oil and then fed in massive quantities to farmed fish. "It can take up to 5 pounds of wild fish to produce 1 pound of salmon, and we eat a lot of salmon," said Naylor.

The authors recommend lowering the amount of fish oil fed to farmed fish, pointing out that even a small reduction could have a big impact on lessening pressure on marine species: a reduction in oil of 4 percent would mean the amount of wild fish feed needed to produce one pound of salmon would drop from 5 pounds to 3.9 pounds. "Reducing the amount of fish oil in the salmon's diet definitely gets you a lot more bang for the buck than reducing the amount of fishmeal," Naylor said. "Our thirst for long-chain omega-3 oils will continue to put a lot of strain on marine ecosystems, unless we develop commercially viable alternatives soon."

EDIT

http://news.mongabay.com/2009/0909-hance-aquaculture.html

[woodsprite]

1. They should put pressure on the public to switch to flax seed.

Not as convenient, but the fresh ground seed fills the void for Omega 3s and fiber.

[Taverner]

3. There's also this plant called hemp - has omega 3's and 6's

But...oh yeah, the devil planted that one :eyes:

[shireen]

4. is there a difference between omega-3s from marine fish vs. flax seed? nt

[eppur_se_muova]

5. Or chia seeds.

Chia is one of the highest sources for Omega-3. The oil in the seeds contains more than 60% Omega-3, the highest percentage of any commercially available source. The body converts this Omega-3 into EPA and DHA (this is the Omega-3 oil found in fish).

Chia, a complete source of dietary protein, provides all the essential fatty acids, and is also high in fiber. Four teaspoons of chia seed provide 30% of the daily requirement of fiber. This soluble fiber works in the intestines by binding and transporting debris so that it may be eliminated more efficiently and regularly. This excellent fiber therapy is first noticed within 5 or 6 days of a daily dose of chia seed.

Compared to other seeds and grains, chia seed provides the highest source of protein, between 19 to 23 percent protein by weight, is gluten free and non-GMO, and has no known allergic reactions. Most chia is grown without pesticides because insects are naturally repulsed by the leaves of the plant. The USDA considers chia seed to be a food with an established history of human use.
***
Other benefits of chia

Unlike flax, chia does not need to be refrigerated or ground/cracked before using.
Chia seed can be stored for at least two years at room temperature in a dry location.
Chia seed or oil can be used as a flax replacement in your favorite recipe.
Chia seed helps to control weight: mixed with orange or other fruit juices the gel-like seeds make a nutritious breakfast that leaves one feeling full and without hunger until lunch time.
Chia seeds contain greater alpha-linolenic acid concentrations than any other seed or grain.
***
more: http://www.vegparadise.com/otherbirds1002.html

[tabatha]

2. try chia

[bhikkhu]

6. like this?

[tabatha]

12. Nope, like this.

http://www.chiaonly.com/

[phantom power]

7. Bad.

Very bad.

[hatrack]

8. Don't worry! One small part of the Antarctic krill fishery has been eco-certified!!!

:eyes:

ondon – The portion of the Antarctic krill (Euphausia superba) fishery in the Atlantic sector of the Southern Ocean fished by Norwegian company Aker BioMarine Co Ltd has entered the full assessment process for Marine Stewardship Council certification. If successful, Aker BioMarine products from the fishery – which include nutraceuticals and feeds for aquaculture – will be eligible to carry the MSC eco-label.

“For us, it is of paramount importance to harvest krill in a responsible and sustainable way. We expect to harvest 55,000 tons next year. It is all about using state-of-the-art technology to maximize the value of the biomass we harvest,” says Kjell Inge Røkke, CEO of Aker BioMarine.”

The krill fishery is managed by the international Commission for the Conservation of Antarctic Marine Living Resources (CCAMLR) which establishes conservation measures for the fishery on an annual basis. Fishing levels are set at precautionary catch limits and animals dependant on krill, such as marine mammals and birds are evaluated under the CCAMLR Ecosystem Monitoring Programme (CEMP).

Rupert Howes, Chief Executive of the MSC says: “Aker BioMarine’s decision to enter the Antarctic Krill fishery for full assessment demonstrates the importance of sustainability in wild-capture fisheries beyond direct consumption by humans. Krill is a critically important species in the Antarctic food chain and Aker BioMarine’s commitment to using the most rigorous and credible assessment scheme to assess the Antarctic krill fishery highlights the value of hard science in this fishery. The full assessment will involve a team of independent specialists evaluating the fishery in a transparent, scientific and stakeholder-engaged process.”

The assessment will be carried out by independent certifiers Moody Marine. Stakeholders wishing to provide comments or information to the assessment should contact Seran Davies, Moody Marine, [e-mail] or write to: Moody International Certification, Salisbury House, Stephenson’s Way, The Wyvern Business Park, Derby, DE21 6LY, UK

EDIT

http://www.msc.org/newsroom/msc-news/archive-2008/antarctic-krill-fishery-enters-marine-stewardship

[phantom power]

9. Yeah. What could go wrong?

:banghead:

:puke:

[hatrack]

10. Are you ever dogged by the thought that maybe, just maybe . . .

. . . there are some exploitable parts of the biosphere that we ought to just LEAVE THE FUCK ALONE??

[phantom power]

11. Why yes...

But it's just a feeling.