Climate change poses a severe threat to food production, making it imperative to find sustainable methods. One such method is aquaponics, which grows fish and vegetables together. Now, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev water researchers have offered a proof of concept for a new closed loop system that produced more fish and vegetables while using less energy than conventional systems.
I have to say, I’m always skeptical of proposals that seem too active.
Agriculture is mostly passive. Of course plants need care, but most of the time, they’re doing their thing alone. If you need constant monitoring, maintenance, resource cycling, etc, etc, it’ll drive costs up very quickly and will need to be detached from nature quite a bit.
This is, at best, a niche solution for rich countries. It won’t feed the masses.
Our local high school cafeteria program has been running a sophisticated version of this without the biogas element for years. Fish in very large tanks feed the leafy greens hydroponics growing in ranks of pipes on the walls, it’s very productive. Greens get used in the popular cafeteria (open to the public) and also the salad food truck they run in the summer months. Fish used are tilapia. Power is solar.
The students studying food services get a lesson in energy systems and food sourcing as well as running a business. Superb food, too. All mostly due to one chef-teacher with vision.