Vertical ocean farms sustainably grow mussels, oysters, and seaweed without freshwater or pesticides, providing affordable seafood and local jobs. They also improve marine ecosystems by filtering pollutants and creating habitats. Read more to learn how vertical ocean farms could reshape the future of sustainable food production and ocean health.Author｜Riza Qin Editor｜Sophia Wu —
While environmental issues like polluting gases, extensive use of land, water and pesticides, and even animal welfare issues emerge in traditional farming, an approach—named vertical ocean farms—started by mussel and oyster farms could effectively eliminate those problems and actually yield a net environmental benefit. Vertical ocean farms are a sustainable farming model that grows shellfish and seaweed on submerged lines suspended in the ocean. These structures, anchored to the seabed and supported by buoys, allow mussels, oysters, and seaweed to grow without needing freshwater, fertilizers, or pesticides.
The economic benefits of vertical ocean farms are considerable. With low setup and maintenance costs, they offer an affordable food production method, making seafood more accessible. Because they are anchored underwater and sheltered from direct surface impact, vertical farms are less vulnerable to climate threats, such as storms or hurricanes, compared to traditional coastal farms. Additionally, by creating local jobs in farming, research, and maintenance, these farms can stimulate economic activity in coastal areas, providing sustainable income for communities that might otherwise rely on overfishing or environmentally damaging industries.
From an environmental perspective, vertical ocean farms enhance marine ecosystems. Seaweed and shellfish naturally filter pollutants like nitrogen and phosphorus, which can harm marine environments in high concentrations due to agricultural runoff. This filtering process improves water quality and balances nutrient levels, promoting healthier ecosystems. The farms also create artificial reefs, providing shelter for marine species and stabilizing coastlines against erosion by dampening wave energy.
In conclusion, vertical ocean farms represent a practical solution to the intertwined challenges of food security, environmental degradation, and economic resilience. They offer a scalable, low-impact alternative to traditional farming, benefiting both local economies and the broader environment. — Reference: https://www.thecooldown.com/sustainable-food/vertical-ocean-farms-farming-fish-shellfish/ https://storymaps.arcgis.com/stories/50165606062340fcb267d6a5b5906d0f — Taiwanese Circular Economy Jr. Org is updated every Saturday and Sunday at 14:00 ✨ — #HighSchool #CircularEconomy #VerticalOceanFarm #Ocean #Food #Sustainability #Health #Ecosystem #Marine #Agriculture #Farming #Fishing #Environment #Climate