Chapter 3 indicators for the sustainability of aquaculture

Global demand for fish will probably double in the next 30–50 years. To what extent can aquaculture increase and sustain its contributions toworld fish supplywithout unacceptable environmental impacts? Indicators towards answering this question are suggested here. These are as follows: (1) biological indicators—potential for domestication, with genetic enhancement; trophic level; feed and energy conversion efficiency; (2) ecological indicators—ecological footprint; emissions; escapees and feral populations; (3) intersectoral indicators—sharing water (e.g., with agriculture, fisheries, forestry, water supply, waste treatment); diversity; cycling; stability; and capacity. Back-calculation of FAO fisheries statistics yielded a dataset for aquaculture production from 1950 to 1997. This dataset, and reviews of literature on the sustainability of world food production, suggest that expansion of aquaculture will not result in sustainable and environmentally acceptable systems unless such indicators are used by policymakers and developers.