Sustainable Aquaculture and Fisheries

As a result of rapid growth in the human population we face global challenges in food security. There is little scope for expansion of food production on land which means we will need to make better use of our aquatic resources for food production. Indeed, 70% of our planet’s surface is water and yet aquatic foods provide less than 20% of the protein we consume. Aquatic foods are highly nutritious, often rich in protein, omega 3 fatty acids and micronutrients.

Aquaculture is the fastest growth sector of agribusiness with 50% of the fish we eat coming from farmed sources and by 2030, it will be 60%. Aquaculture does not come without challenges. Some aquaculture activities can have negative impacts on fisheries and the wider aquatic environment. Fisheries are also significant contributors of food production and provide millions of jobs worldwide. Aquaculture and fisheries are interlinked by their shared use of the aquatic environment, and in some cases their interdependencies on one another.

Our multidisciplinary approach places emphasis on the sustainable use of aquatic and marine resources for commercial exploitation of food and products. Our MSc Sustainable Aquaculture and Fisheries programme will provide students with the knowledge and skill for improving aquatic animal health and production, reducing environmental impact, and addressing the socio-economic factors.