ANSWER 1

Written response:

What are some examples from around the world of the aquaculture sector adapting to climate change?
Farming of fish, shellfish, and aquatic plants, is increasingly vulnerable to climate change. Rising temperatures, shifting rainfall patterns, ocean acidification, and extreme weather events are disrupting aquatic ecosystems and threatening food security. In response, aquaculture operations worldwide are adopting both high-tech and low-tech strategies to adapt. Here are five examples:

1. Temperature-Resilient Tilapia in Ghana
In Ghana, rising water temperatures have affected tilapia growth rates and increased disease outbreaks. To combat this, researchers and farmers have developed and adopted heat-tolerant strains of tilapia that can thrive in warmer waters. These strains are bred for resilience and are now being distributed to small-scale farmers, helping maintain productivity despite changing conditions (see here for full reference).

2. Floating Fish Farms in Norway
Norway’s salmon industry faces challenges from warming seas and increased algal blooms. One innovative response has been the development of floating closed-containment systems, such as the “Ocean Farm 1” project. These high-tech structures are designed to withstand rough seas and isolate farmed fish from harmful environmental changes, including pathogens and pollutants. They also allow for better control of water quality and temperature (Source).

3. Mangrove-Integrated Aquaculture in Bangladesh
In coastal Bangladesh, rising sea levels and salinity intrusion have made traditional shrimp farming difficult. A low-tech yet effective adaptation has been the integration of mangrove restoration with aquaculture. Farmers plant mangroves around shrimp ponds to buffer against storm surges, reduce erosion, and improve water quality. This nature-based solution enhances resilience while supporting biodiversity (source).

4. Recirculating Aquaculture Systems (RAS) in the U.S (and elsewhere, including Australia).
Inland fish farms in the United States are increasingly adopting Recirculating Aquaculture Systems (RAS) to reduce dependence on natural water bodies affected by droughts and pollution. RAS technology allows for the reuse of water in a controlled environment, minimizing water usage and enabling year-round production. These systems also reduce the risk of disease and environmental contamination (source).

5. Climate-Smart Seaweed Farming in Indonesia
Seaweed farming in Indonesia has been impacted by ocean warming and changing currents. In response, farmers are shifting to climate-smart practices, such as adjusting planting schedules, relocating farms to cooler waters, and using mobile apps to monitor ocean conditions. These digital tools help farmers make informed decisions and reduce crop losses (source).

Conclusion
Climate change poses serious challenges to aquaculture, but these examples show that adaptation is possible through a mix of innovation, traditional knowledge, and ecosystem-based approaches. Whether through high-tech solutions like RAS and floating farms or low-tech strategies like mangrove integration and selective breeding, aquaculture is evolving to address some of the challenges of a changing climate. Continued investment in research, technology, and community engagement will be key to ensuring the sector’s resilience and sustainability.