What is one role of aquaculture in global food security?

Aquaculture plays a vital role in global food security primarily by offering a reliable protein source. With the world's population continuing to grow, the demand for nutritious food, especially protein, is increasing. Aquaculture helps to meet this demand by producing fish and seafood in controlled environments, which can be more efficient and sustainable than traditional fishing methods.

Farmed fish can provide a substantial portion of the protein needs for many communities, particularly those in coastal regions where fish is a staple part of the diet. By cultivating species that are nutrient-rich, aquaculture can help to alleviate malnutrition and improve health outcomes, making it a crucial element in the fight against food insecurity on a global scale.

While supporting local fisheries and developing alternative sources of food such as fruits are important aspects of sustainable development, they do not directly provide the reliable protein source that aquaculture is known for. Increasing demand for wild-caught fish can also be a concern, as it may lead to overfishing and depletion of natural fish stocks, which contradicts efforts to achieve food security sustainably.