Increasing fish production to meet consumer needs has negative impacts on climate, land use, freshwater resources and biodiversity. By the year 2050, the world population will be close to 10 billion, and global food production will need to increase by about 50% to meet humanity’s projected food needs.

Land agriculture now provides a large part of the food production system. However, the potential to fill projected nutrient gaps is limited by adverse climate impacts. Scientists are studying different alternative food options to determine how societies can integrate sustainability into their food systems. These include fin fish, crustaceans and algae farming.

However, significant expansion of current aquaculture systems will deplete available space in coastal waters before nutrient deficiencies are addressed. In addition, expansion of the current system poses significant environmental threats and conflicts with interest groups.

Because of these issues, converting to marine aquaculture in the form of algae would be a viable option for sustainable food production. It can provide protein, essential amino acids, and other micronutrients such as vitamins and antioxidants.

It does not contaminate the system.

The future role of algae-based solutions in achieving global food security and environmental sustainability will depend on the actions governments take today.

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