New research suggests that the carbon capture capabilities of fish farms may help to offset industry carbon emissions.
Researchers are exploring a novel carbon capture method using fish farms to combat climate change. A study in Nature Food by Yale scientists Mojtaba Fakhraee and Noah Planavsky demonstrates how iron sulfide reactions in low-oxygen aquatic environments can enhance water alkalinity, boosting CO2 absorption and reducing harmful hydrogen sulfide levels. This dual benefit could improve fish welfare and productivity.
The approach is particularly promising for countries with large aquaculture industries, like China and Indonesia, with China alone potentially capturing 100 million metric tonnes of CO2 annually. Unlike many methods, this offers near-permanent carbon storage lasting thousands of years. Though still in development, the technique could advance global climate goals and promote sustainable fish farming.