Rethinking sustainability in aquaculture

THE EDITOR, Madam:

I read an article in the Observer, ‘Fish farming and food safety’, with interest and respect for the efforts being made to strengthen Jamaica’s food systems – especially in the wake of Hurricane Melissa. However, I believe it’s important to broaden the conversation around aquaculture and examine some critical concerns that were not addressed.

Fish farming, as it currently operates, is not the future we want for ourselves, the animals, or the environment.

Industrial aquaculture is now responsible for 90 per cent of aquatic bacteria showing resistance to at least one antibiotic, and 20 per cent are multi-drug resistant. This resistance not only threatens marine biodiversity but also poses a serious risk to human health. According to The Lancet, antimicrobial resistance could contribute to nearly 40 million human deaths over the next 25 years.

Meanwhile, the health benefits of fish are increasingly being called into question. Many farmed fish are contaminated with heavy metals like mercury, lead, thallium, and cadmium, along with persistent organic pollutants such as PCBs and PCDDs. High levels of omega-3 fatty acids – once considered a nutritional asset – have now been linked to increased prostate cancer risk in men.

Equally troubling is the lack of attention to animal welfare. Scientific research confirms that fish are sentient beings capable of suffering. In fact, recent findings show that fish can suffer up to 22 minutes of intense pain after being removed from water – a reality that challenges the ethical foundation of current harvesting practices.

I understand the importance of jobs in the fishing industry, especially in coastal communities. But there are promising alternatives. Countries around the world are investing in seaweed, kelp, and duckweed farming – industries that are sustainable, humane, environmentally regenerative, and free from antibiotics. These crops offer protein-rich, omega-balanced nutrition and can help build resilient economies without compromising ethics or ecosystems.

SARA CANE

Toronto