Law Commons^™

A Feasible Alternative: The Legal Implications Of Aquaculture In The United States And The Promise Of Sustainable Urban Aquaculture Systems, Garrett Wheeler

Golden Gate University Environmental Law Journal

The world’s ocean fish stocks are in peril. A 2011 report issued by an international team of marine scientists found that the world’s marine species face threats “unprecedented in human history” with “loss of both large, long-lived and small fish species causing widespread impacts on marine ecosystems.” Nutrient runoff, introductions of non-native species, climate change, over fishing, and physical disturbance are all contributing to the oceans’ decline. Meanwhile, global per capita seafood consumption is at an all-time high, as the Earth’s growing population continues to enjoy healthy, protein-laden nourishment.

The resulting situation is a stark example of what ecologist Garrett …