The Rise of Sustainable Food Sourcing: Considerations for Seafood Restaurateurs

Cultivating and harvesting aquatic animals for consumption has been a practice of every civilization in history.  Globally, aquaculture supplies more than 50 percent of all seafood produced for human consumption—and that percentage will continue to rise, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). 

Today, there is an industry debate over wild-caught versus farmed, with the latter pulling ahead in many conversational circles. However, while there have been documented problems associated with poorly managed fish farms, modern, ethically managed aquaculture with carefully controlled conditions is still considered by scientists to be one of the best ways for humans to meet the growing demand for animal protein with minimal environmental damage. Mariculture, fish farming, and other types of aquaculture can be beneficial for many reasons. From re-stocking wild populations, reducing overfishing, and creating alternative fuel sources, to creating green jobs…