Sustainable Seafood Farming: The Role of Irish Aquaculture in the Fight for Climate Resilience

Introduction

As climate change intensifies, the need for sustainable food production has become increasingly urgent. In Ireland, where agriculture has long been a cornerstone of the economy, aquaculture—the farming of fish and shellfish—offers a promising solution. With its extensive coastline and pristine waters, Ireland is well-placed to harness the benefits of sustainable seafood farming. But how does aquaculture fit into the wider push for climate resilience, and how can it complement traditional land-based agriculture to support a more sustainable future?

The Irish Aquaculture Landscape

Ireland’s aquaculture industry may not be as well-known as its dairy or beef sectors, but it’s steadily gaining importance. The country produces approximately 38,000 tonnes of seafood annually, with a strong focus on farmed species like salmon, trout, mussels, and oysters. Shellfish farming, in particular, is a major player, given Ireland’s pristine coastal waters. The industry employs over 2,000 people, contributing significantly to local economies, especially in rural and coastal areas.

The real potential of Irish aquaculture, however, lies in its ability to address environmental challenges while enhancing the sustainability of food production. As we explore the environmental benefits of sustainable seafood farming, we’ll also see how it can work alongside traditional agriculture to bolster Ireland’s climate resilience.

Environmental Benefits of Aquaculture

Sustainable aquaculture provides numerous environmental advantages over land-based agriculture. From resource efficiency to carbon sequestration, seafood farming is uniquely positioned to address some of the most pressing issues in modern food production:

Efficient Resource Use: Farmed fish, particularly species like salmon, are far more efficient at converting feed into edible protein than traditional livestock. For instance, the feed conversion ratio (FCR) for salmon is around 1.2:1, meaning just over 1 kilogram of feed produces 1 kilogram of fish. By comparison, beef cattle require around 6 kilograms of feed to produce 1 kilogram of meat, making fish farming a more resource-efficient option.

Lower Carbon Footprint: Seafood farming has a significantly lower carbon footprint than land-based meat production. According to the FAO, aquaculture produces far fewer greenhouse gases than livestock farming, making it an important part of reducing agriculture’s overall emissions. This makes sustainable aquaculture an essential tool in the fight against climate change.

Natural Carbon Sequestration: Shellfish farming, particularly with mussels and oysters, provides an added climate benefit by naturally sequestering carbon. These organisms filter water, removing excess nutrients and capturing carbon in their shells and surrounding sediment. In fact, Ireland’s native oyster reefs are recognised for their carbon capture potential, acting as valuable carbon sinks while supporting marine biodiversity.

Water Conservation and Minimal Land Use: Unlike traditional farming, aquaculture doesn’t compete for land or freshwater resources. This is particularly relevant in Ireland, where farmland is limited and under increasing pressure from climate-related challenges. Sustainable fish and shellfish farming operate within existing water ecosystems, reducing the need for extensive land and water use, which can be especially beneficial in regions facing drought or land degradation.

Aquaculture and Land-Based Farming: A Perfect Pairing

Aquaculture doesn’t just stand alone as a sustainable practice—it can also complement land-based agriculture in powerful ways. By integrating the two, Irish farmers and coastal communities can create more diverse, resilient food systems. Here’s how:

Integrated Multi-Trophic Aquaculture (IMTA): IMTA is an innovative approach that combines different types of aquaculture, such as fish farming alongside seaweed and shellfish cultivation. This creates a balanced ecosystem where fish waste provides nutrients for seaweed, and shellfish help filter and purify the water. IMTA mimics natural marine systems, reducing environmental impact and increasing overall productivity. As this model grows, it offers Irish aquaculture a path to scaling up sustainably.

Diversification for Farmers: In coastal regions, traditional farmers are beginning to embrace aquaculture as a way to diversify their operations. Some Irish farmers have integrated seaweed and shellfish farming into their businesses, adding an additional income stream. This not only boosts farm profitability but also makes these farms more resilient to climate-related risks like droughts or changing crop yields.

Circular Systems Between Land and Sea: Aquaculture can also play a role in reducing waste from traditional farming. For example, nutrient-rich waste from livestock farms can be used to fertilise seaweed farms, while seaweed can be processed into animal feed, helping reduce methane emissions in cattle. This circular relationship between land and sea farming offers a unique opportunity to create a closed-loop system, maximising resource use and minimising environmental impact.

Supporting Coastal Economies: As climate change increasingly impacts traditional land-based agriculture, coastal communities in Ireland can benefit from the growth of aquaculture. This sector provides new economic opportunities in areas where farming may be at risk due to rising temperatures or changing weather patterns. By investing in sustainable aquaculture, these regions can diversify their economic base and reduce reliance on more vulnerable agricultural practices.
 

Challenges and Opportunities

Aquaculture offers great benefits but also faces challenges. Disease outbreaks in fish farms can spread rapidly, posing risks to farmed and wild species. Water pollution from fish waste and chemicals can lead to algal blooms and oxygen depletion, while overuse of antibiotics may contribute to environmental degradation and antibiotic resistance. Additionally, habitat degradation in coastal areas can disrupt vital ecosystems. Ireland is addressing these issues through Bord Iascaigh Mhara (BIM), which promotes sustainable practices like reducing antibiotic use, improving fish welfare, and monitoring water quality. New technologies are helping to minimise environmental impacts, ensuring aquaculture growth remains eco-friendly.

The government's target to increase seafood exports to €1 billion by 2030 includes strict sustainability regulations. These focus on responsible stocking densities, water management, and adopting integrated multi-trophic aquaculture (IMTA) to reduce waste and enhance ecological balance.

By tackling these challenges, Ireland aims to lead in sustainable aquaculture, balancing industry growth with marine conservation to create economic and environmental opportunities.

The Future of Aquaculture in Ireland

As Ireland seeks to build a more climate-resilient food system, sustainable aquaculture presents a powerful solution. Fish and shellfish farming can provide high-quality protein with a much lower environmental impact than traditional livestock, all while reducing the carbon footprint of food production. And by integrating aquaculture with land-based farming, Ireland can create a more diversified, resilient farming system that’s better equipped to face the challenges of climate change.

With its clean waters, innovative approaches, and commitment to sustainability, Ireland is well-positioned to lead in sustainable seafood farming. As consumer demand for responsibly farmed seafood continues to rise, Irish aquaculture is set to play a crucial role in global efforts to strengthen climate resilience.

In the end, sustainable aquaculture isn’t just about producing more seafood—it’s about creating a more balanced relationship between land and sea. By embracing this partnership, Ireland can build a food system that is as resilient as it is sustainable.

*By Anne Hayden MSc., Founder, The Informed Farmer Consultancy.