Translating Environmental Potential to Economic Reality: Assessment of Commercial Aquaponics through Sustainability Transitions Theory

Erin Kelly Horn1,2, Alyssa Joyce3, Rubel Biswas Chowdhury4, Silvio Caputo5, Brent Jacobs6, Mari Winkler2, Gundula Proksch1,7
1Circular City and Living Systems Lab, College of Built Environments, University of Washington, Seattle, USA
2Department of Civil & Environmental Engineering, College of Engineering, University of Washington, Seattle, USA
3Department of Marine Science, Gothenburg University, Göteborg, Sweden
4School of Engineering, Deakin University, Waurn Ponds, Australia
5Kent School of Architecture and Planning, Marlowe Building, Canterbury, UK
6Institute for Sustainable Futures, University of Technology Sydney, Ultimo, Australia
7Department of Architecture, College of Built Environments, University of Washington, Seattle, USA

Tóm tắt

Despite popular interest and recent industry growth, commercial-scale aquaponics still faces economic and regulatory barriers primarily resulting from political and economic systems which insufficiently address pressing environmental challenges. The sustainability potential of aquaponic food production can help address and overcome such challenges while contributing to the broader development of circular economy and sustainable development of food systems. In response to the current counterproductive gap between potential applications and industry development, the interdisciplinary team of authors identifies pathways to translate the environmental potential of commercial aquaponics into economic success through a sustainability transition theory lens. To evaluate the industry’s current state-of-the-art, drivers, barriers, and future potential, interview data from 25 North American producers collected in 2021, literature, and policy are analyzed through a Technological Innovation System (TIS) assessment within a Multi-Level Perspective (MLP) approach. This supports the consideration of pathways for industry development of aquaponics as an aspect of circular economy within a dynamic sustainable development context. These pathways for action include (1.) advancing clear standards and policies for aquaponics as part of a circular economy, increasing funding and incentives, and reducing support and subsidies for competing unsustainable food production; (2.) developing and promoting cost-effective technologies; and (3.) bolstering consumer preferences for sustainable and healthy food sources.

Tài liệu tham khảo

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