A new policy brief from the University of Exeter is calling for greater national investment in land-based aquaculture technologies, arguing that the UK has a significant opportunity to strengthen food security, create skilled jobs and establish itself as a global leader in sustainable seafood production.
Launched on 14 July at the Shellfish Association of Great Britain Annual Conference, the report, Investing in the UK’s Blue Transformation: A World-Leading Opportunity to Deliver Innovative Land-Based Seafood Solutions, highlights the growing importance of aquaculture in meeting future seafood demand.
According to the report, aquaculture now supplies the majority of seafood consumed globally, with production expected to double by 2050 to meet increasing demand. The authors warn that, without investment in innovative production technologies, the UK risks falling behind other nations in developing the sector.
The policy brief identifies recirculating aquaculture systems (RAS) as a key technology capable of supporting a ‘Blue Transformation’ in UK seafood production. By recycling water within highly controlled, land-based facilities, RAS enables the production of a wider range of aquatic species while reducing reliance on suitable coastal locations.
The authors argue that wider adoption of land-based seafood production technologies could increase domestic seafood production, improve food security, support high-value exports and strengthen the UK’s position as an international leader in aquaculture technology. The report also highlights the potential to boost productivity, create skilled employment opportunities and contribute towards national sustainability goals.
