Water Use on Fish Farms in Arizona Raises Questions

• A farm in the Arizona desert raises barramundi using groundwater, which raises ecological concerns.
• Researchers point to the risk of groundwater depletion due to unregulated usage.
• Experts call for rational water use in the context of climate change.

This is reported by Associated Press, ABC News.

In the Arizona desert, where the water crisis on the Colorado River has become a significant issue, Mainstream Aquaculture farm raises barramundi, also known as Asian sea bass, for American restaurants. This farm uses groundwater, a non-renewable resource, to raise fish, raising questions about the ecological costs.

Dan Morhin, the farm's manager, notes that their approach to aquaculture is a sustainable alternative to ocean fishing. Utilizing fishery waste to irrigate crops like Bermuda grass is also viewed as a positive aspect. However, experts express concerns about whether it is feasible to effectively raise fish in a dry climate without significant ecological costs.

Researchers, such as Sarah Porter from Arizona State University, indicate that unregulated groundwater use could lead to its depletion. Arizona has areas with strict water resource management, but the Dayland area, where the farm is located, is not subject to these rules.

According to scientists, aquaculture could help protect marine ecosystems from overfishing, but it also raises questions about the sustainability of fish farms. Researchers emphasize that fish farms require a large amount of water, which can be comparable to large ranches or even the suburbs of Phoenix.

Experts urge for wise water use, as the resource is limited, especially in the context of climate change, making water even more valuable.

Теги: США/Екологія