Our founder and lead researcher, Wasseem Emam, has written a guest commentary for foodfacts.org exploring why seaweed farming could offer a more ethical and sustainable path forward for coastal communities in Africa and beyond.
Why Seaweed Farming Matters for Coastal Communities and Animal Welfare
In the piece, Wasseem examines how export-driven fish farming often leaves local communities bearing the environmental and social costs, while the fish themselves endure conditions that raise serious welfare concerns. He makes the case for seaweed cultivation as a cruelty-free alternative that requires no feed or antibiotics, improves marine environments, and creates economic opportunities that stay within the community, particularly for women and marginalised groups.
As an organisation dedicated to reducing the suffering of aquatic animals in the food system, this is exactly the kind of conversation we believe needs to happen: exploring viable alternatives that support both people and animals.
