BLOG OF iECYCLE

Last month, I discussed the necessity of food production mechanism in urban centers. As city populations swell and the as yet unknown consequences of climate change slowly materialize, it is becoming apparent that issues of food security will develop into major challenges not just for nations of the developing world, but for all humanity.

This month, I will examine one of the most significant agricultural development of our time which, if implemented competently could provide a solution to future food security challenges. The development of which I speak is known as Aquaponics. In it’s most basic form, Aquaponics is the production of fish and plants within a controlled environment that in many ways replicates the biological processes and interactions found in the natural world. Plants are fed nitrogen rich fish waste while the fish consume (among other things) excess plant biomass.

This process, although not entirely novel (The Mayans and Babylonians have got us on that one) represents a significant improvement upon conventional hydroponic and aquacultural practices for a number of reasons. First, combining both fish and plant production into one system maximizes output while utilizing a minimal amount of space, time and resources. This process is ideal for the urban environment as both fish protein and vegetables are produced within a limited area, providing residents with access to the fundamental nutritional requirements they need right at their doorstep.Secondly, by feeding fish effluent to plants the producer is able to turn an otherwise costly waste stream into valuble organic plant food.  Finally, producing food within city limits will allow urban dwellers to prepare for and buffer against any disruptions in existing food supply infrastructure.

As world events have recently illustrated quite poingnently, anything can and often does happen. (Just ask any recent European air traveller) Although by no means a complete solution in and of itself, Aquaponic sysems represent an important cornerstone in the development of future food security infrastructure and when integrated into a systme featuring renewable energy sources and dedicated policy initiatives, Aquaponics has the potential to provide us all with a little more security in what has consistently proven to be an ever dynamic and unpredictable world.

Sources:

Nelson and Pade: North American leaders in Aquaponic technology. They publish the only magazine on Aquaponics and provide classes and consultation to startup projects.

http://www.aquaponics.com/index.php?_route_=index.htm

University of the Virgin Islands Agricultural Experiment Station : Headed by Dr. James Rackocy, this is the worlds leading programme dedicated to to the study of Aquaponics.

http://www.uvi.edu/sites/uvi/Pages/AES-Aquaculture-Home.aspx?s=AC