Dr. Fitzsimmons raised many different questions during his talk on integrated aquaculture-agriculture. The most prominent question was if we can use integrated aquaculture-agriculture to supply both higher crop yields and an alternative protein source? Not only does using an integrated system increase crop yields significantly, but it also farms an alternative protein source for the American public. As we look towards the future, using an integrated system will help provide the crops and protein we will need to support a growing population. Not only is it providing two food sources, using fertilized water from the fish increases the nitrogen and phosphorus levels that help plants grow. With this in mind, Dr. Fitzsimmons ultimately brought up
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Fitzsimmons’ talk was that this could not only be the solution to increasing our crop yields, but helping change the primary protein Americans eat. Our primary protein source, beef, takes a lot more tons of plant matter to feed than fish does. For the same amount of plant matter, we receive more fish-based protein. Nutritionists have said that fish, vegetables, and complex carbohydrates like rice are recommended as part of a healthy diet. That being said, I think the integrated system could be used to produce the fish, rice, and vegetables recommended by nutritionists. There could be entire operations dedicated to solely producing these three things. To convince the American public that fish is a better source of protein than beef, I think there would have to be an advertising campaign by a major company the public listens to, like Chipotle. Chipotle advertises about GMOs, and the public believes them. If they were to advertise about fish, the public might believe them on that too. If they sold fish instead of steak as a protein option in their stores, and promoted it, this might also persuade the American public. If I had the option between chicken or fish at Chipotle, I would pick fish every time. With a large corporation that has a huge sway on public opinion, transitioning our main protein source is a definite
Fitzsimmons’ talk was that this could not only be the solution to increasing our crop yields, but helping change the primary protein Americans eat. Our primary protein source, beef, takes a lot more tons of plant matter to feed than fish does. For the same amount of plant matter, we receive more fish-based protein. Nutritionists have said that fish, vegetables, and complex carbohydrates like rice are recommended as part of a healthy diet. That being said, I think the integrated system could be used to produce the fish, rice, and vegetables recommended by nutritionists. There could be entire operations dedicated to solely producing these three things. To convince the American public that fish is a better source of protein than beef, I think there would have to be an advertising campaign by a major company the public listens to, like Chipotle. Chipotle advertises about GMOs, and the public believes them. If they were to advertise about fish, the public might believe them on that too. If they sold fish instead of steak as a protein option in their stores, and promoted it, this might also persuade the American public. If I had the option between chicken or fish at Chipotle, I would pick fish every time. With a large corporation that has a huge sway on public opinion, transitioning our main protein source is a definite