Abstract:
In contrast to domesticated land plants and animal species, the rise of marine aquaculture is a contemporary phenomenon. Over 95% of the aquatic species presently in culture have been domesticated since the start of the 20th century, resulting in marine aquaculture dominating more and more our seafood consumption as capture fisheries are globally declining. However, marine aquaculture, like the broader seafood industry, relies heavily on international trade and global supply chains for both, production and sales. Recent global disruptions, including the COVID-19 pandemic, the Russian invasion of Ukraine, the conflicts in the Middle East and trade tensions, have exposed the social and economic vulnerabilities inherent in a globalised production system. In response, these events have sparked growing interest in transitioning to localised and regional supply chain models. Calls to "buy national" and support domestic economies highlight this trend towards regionalisation. This seminar talk will critically assess the assumption whether regionalisation of marine food systems inherently leads to improved sustainability outcomes. The sustainability implications of regionalising marine aquaculture will be discussed by examining the four key segments of the supply chain. These are 1) upstream inputs and resources 2) aquaculture production 3) downstream added value - processing and 4) distribution – transportation.
It will be demonstrated that while regionalisation may offer advantages in certain contexts, it does not guarantee improved sustainability. Potential benefits of regional production models include increased resilience to disruptions, lower transportation-related carbon emissions, and support for local economies. However, such models may also introduce trade-offs, including reduced production efficiency, supply and sales limitations, and implications for social, cultural, and governance structures. Thus, it is crucial to proactively evaluation of these dynamics to develop strategies that maximize sustainability benefits while addressing potential trade-offs.