Aquaculture industry faces environmental and human rights concerns

The global aquaculture industry is facing scrutiny over its environmental impact and labor practices. While intended to alleviate pressure from overfishing, much of the farmed seafood is raised using fishmeal derived from wild-caught marine life, contributing to an ongoing environmental crisis.

Reports indicate that the production of fishmeal is linked to illegal activities, including forced labor and worker fatalities. The industry has also been associated with community pollution and political unrest in regions such as India, as well as territorial water disputes between nations.

Furthermore, the use of hazardous chemicals—including antimicrobials, flame retardants, and anesthetics—in fish ponds poses a risk of contaminating seafood products. In the United States, popular imports like salmon and shrimp, often sold in major supermarket chains and served in government facilities, are frequently produced using these methods, though marketing campaigns often obscure these issues from consumers.