Emerging Issues Regarding Non-Native Species for Aquaculture

ronmental issues. Despite oversight by U.S. federal and state regulatory agencies and despite sustainability efforts within the aquaculture industry, advocacy groups and the public are concerned about the effects of aquaculture on the environment. Specific concerns include the effects of effluents and nutrient-loading; water, land and energy use; feed composition; drugs and chemicals; and food safety. These issues challenge the growth and sustainability of aquaculture. One of the greatest concerns has to do with the potential for non-native species, genes and pathogens to escape from culture systems and enter the environment. Four of the main emerging topics related to non-native species in aquaculture are: ■ the culture of new species, ■ introduced pathogens and parasites, ■ genetic alterations of native stocks, and ■ genetically modified organisms (GMOs). These topics are not all negative. For example, new species and GMOs may someday increase food supplies and improve the economics of U.S. aquaculture. Unless they are properly managed, however, these issues could cause economic losses to disease or lead to more restrictive regulations. It is important for the U.S. aquaculture industry and those who support and regulate aquaculture to understand these issues, address the environmental concerns, and participate in the process of defining and managing risks.