Fish-Farming Innovations

I've always shied away from the neighborhood's market for my fish purchases. I prefer fish that has never been frozen, and farm-raised seafood was never really attractive to me. Keeping fish in coolers on ice, until I consume them, has been my methodology. I've been fishing and eating my fresh catch since I was a little boy. Years later, after learning all about the practice of aquaculture, and the various arguments surrounding the concept, I remain faithful to eating the fish that I catch. An organization called Open Blue, has begun to change my perspective, in terms of the methods they are employing to farm fish.

Throughout the years the arguments pro and con about this food producing process have steadily raged on. We can all agree the idea of providing healthy food for an ever-growing global population is necessary. However, the idea of breeding and harvesting these fish in shallow ponds and coastal cages and nets, cause some negative by-products. Utilizing fish-feed and other types of nourishments and chemicals, may affect other sea-life and waterways. The mere fact that these fish-farms must maintain their stock within a closed area, means that disease can spread quickly, and may spread to the wild population. Perhaps, governments will recognize the shear importance of these programs and avail more protection to the farmers in terms of legislation and funding. Technology would get more attention and the industry would continue to get better, stronger and safer.  Furthermore, the practice of fish-farming may in fact create jobs and business opportunities worldwide.

Open Blue, is emerging as the foremost architect in open ocean fish-farming. By creating an environment in the deep blue sea, they are producing healthy, safe and eco-friendly conditions to enhance this ancient practice. They are currently raising an incredibly hardy and delicious fish called a cobia. Deep-sea fishermen have been chasing these extremely powerful fish for years. However, I'm relatively sure most dinner tables have had little to no real contact with these fish. As a fish-food aficionado and ocean lover, this evolution in fish-farming is truly exciting for me! The white and succulent meat of these fish (cobia) trade primarily in the high-end seafood industry and are premium sushi-quality fish. In the wild these fish grow to be six feet in length, and about 150 pounds.  At first glance they may resemble sharks, until they are viewed in natural light. Their small brown scales, make way to a white underside, totally distinguishing them from sharks.  Cobia have significant jaw strength and are also call "crabeaters". Clearly, fish high in omega 3 fatty acids are extremely important for our global population, and raising cobias will help add to that market. This form of polyunsaturated fatty acids help to protect humans against arthritis, heart disease, diabetes, and some cancers to name a few.

  photo courtesy of Wikimedia Commons