Integrated Multi-Trophic Aquaculture (IMTA) is a form of self-sustaining farming where two or more organisms are farmed together. Think polyculture; tilapia farmers are able to reduce their dependency on global shipping chains that deliver their feed by growing algae, seaweed, and mollusks in the same environment as their fish.

“This means you’ve got a couple different organisms all eating each other. But it builds a self-sustaining approach, and it means the farm is a lot more stable against COVID-19 or any other global event that could disrupt the supply chain,” says Helmuth.

Follow the link to read more about aquaculture’s resiliency against Covid-19-related supply chain interruptions.

https://phys.org/news/2022-01-covid-fish-farms.html

FAQs

Q1: How does IMTA enhance environmental sustainability?

IMTA enhances environmental sustainability by utilizing the waste produced by one species as nutrients for another. This reduces the environmental impact associated with nutrient discharge in traditional aquaculture.

Q2: Are there specific species that work best in IMTA systems?

The effectiveness of species in IMTA systems depends on the specific environmental conditions and the goals of the aquaculture operation. Commonly used species include finfish, shellfish, and seaweeds.

Q3: Does IMTA require more complex management compared to traditional aquaculture?

While IMTA systems involve additional complexities due to the interaction of multiple species, proper planning and management can result in a well-balanced and sustainable aquaculture operation.