Demand for Aquatic Food Production (SL IB Environmental Systems & Societies (ESS))

Global aquatic food consumption

• The demand for aquatic food resources is experiencing a significant increase due to the combined effects of a growing human population and dietary changes
• As populations expand and economies develop, there is a higher demand for seafood products to meet nutritional needs and culinary preferences
• The main factors behind the increase in demand for aquatic food resources are as follows:

   1. Growing Human Population

• • The global population has been steadily increasing over the years, resulting in a larger consumer base for aquatic food resources

   2. Changing Dietary Patterns

• • As countries undergo economic growth, there is often a shift in dietary patterns towards increased consumption of protein-rich foods, including seafood

   3. Nutritional Benefits of Seafood

• • Seafood is recognised as a valuable source of essential nutrients, such as omega-3 fatty acids, vitamins, and minerals, which contribute to human health and well-being

   4. Urbanisation and the rising middle class

• • Urbanisation and the emergence of a middle class in many regions have led to changes in dietary preferences, with an increased demand for diverse and higher-value food options, including seafood

   5. Global trade and supply chains

• • Advances in transportation and the expansion of global trade networks have made it easier to import and export seafood products, increasing their availability to communities 

   6. Aquaculture production

• • Aquaculture, the farming of aquatic organisms, has experienced significant growth to meet the rising demand for seafood

The relative contribution of aquaculture and capture fisheries

• Photosynthesis by phytoplankton forms the foundation of marine food webs, supporting a highly diverse range of organisms within marine ecosystems
  • Phytoplankton utilise sunlight, carbon dioxide and nutrients to produce organic matter through photosynthesis
  • The organic matter produced by phytoplankton serves as a vital food source for various marine organisms, including zooplankton, invertebrates and small fish
  • The energy derived from phytoplankton is then transferred up the food chain, sustaining larger predators such as marine mammals, birds, and humans

Areas of high marine productivity

• Phytoplankton productivity is highest near the coast or in shallow seas due to specific environmental factors:
  • Upwellings occur when wind-driven movements bring cold, nutrient-rich water from the deeper ocean layers to the surface
  • Upwelling zones promote phytoplankton growth by providing an abundance of nutrients like nitrogen, phosphorus, and iron that are essential for their photosynthetic activity
  • Nutrient enrichment of surface waters in these regions stimulates the growth of phytoplankton, leading to increased productivity and biomass
  • The high productivity near the coast and in shallow seas create ideal conditions for the development of diverse food webs
  • In addition to upwellings, other factors such as coastal runoff and mixing of nutrient-rich freshwater also contribute to the enrichment of surface waters, supporting phytoplankton growth and food web complexity
  • These regions serve as crucial hotspots for marine biodiversity and play a significant role in the overall health and functioning of marine ecosystems