Carbon footprint and impacts of aquaculture expansion in the Amazon

Abstract

Producing animals (e.g., cattle, fish) for human consumption is a major contributor to global climate change, but not all foods carry the same environmental burden. In the Amazon, cattle, pigs, and chickens have long been supplemented by capture fisheries, but aquaculture is rapidly expanding. However, the ecological cost of farming fish and how it compares to other animal-sourced foods is intensely debated. In this project, we will evaluate the pace of aquaculture expansion and its carbon footprint in two Amazon regions with emerging-yet contrasting-aquaculture industries: Ariquemes and Rio Preto da Eva. Our proposed project will support food system sustainability by addressing three questions: (1) What is the spatial and temporal trajectory of aquaculture expansion in the Amazon? (2) What is the carbon footprint of aquaculture production in the Amazon, and how does it vary among different farmed fish species? and (3) How does the carbon footprint of Amazon aquaculture compare to other animal-sourced foods (i.e., cattle, poultry, capture fisheries)? Our proposed research advances the development of resilient rural-urban systems and links to fundamental sustainability themes, including increasing food production and reducing climate risks. The project's discussions and results will support the elaboration of strategies to (1) reduce the environmental costs of aquaculture expansion in the Amazon, (2) improve aquaculture management practices, and also (3) balance food production and environmental impacts to ensure the maintenance of ecosystem services that underpin the culture and economy across Brazil. (AU)