Food conversion efficiency—the amount of feed required to produce edible meat—varies significantly across animal production systems. Traditional livestock, such as cattle, require around 8 kg of feed to produce 1 kg of beef, while pigs need 3–4 kg of feed per kilogram of pork. Poultry is more efficient, with a conversion rate of about 1.6–1.8 kg of feed per kg of chicken meat.

Fish, particularly in aquaculture, outperform land animals in food conversion efficiency. Many farmed fish species, such as salmon and tilapia, require as little as 1–1.5 kg of feed per kg of fish. This makes fish farming a highly resource-efficient way to produce protein while reducing pressure on global grain supplies.

By choosing sustainable aquaculture over resource-intensive livestock farming, we can improve food security, lower environmental impacts, and make better use of agricultural resources. Supporting responsible fish farming practices is a step toward a more efficient and sustainable global food system.

Animal production is a water-intensive industry, with livestock farming requiring vast amounts of freshwater for drinking, feed production, and cleaning. Beef production is among the most water-demanding, with estimates suggesting that producing 1 kg of beef requires over 15,000 liters of water! This high water usage contributes to water scarcity, pollution from runoff containing nutrients and antibiotics, and habitat degradation.

One sustainable alternative is recirculating aquaculture systems (RAS), which significantly reduces water consumption by filtering and reusing water. RAS minimizes pollution, decreases freshwater withdrawals, and offers an environmentally friendly method.

We must support and invest in innovative solutions like RAS!

Consumers, policymakers, and businesses can all play a role in advancing sustainable aquaculture for a more water-efficient future.