WWW.WAS.ORG • WORLD AQUACULTURE • MARCH 2026 63 FIGURE 1. Aquaponics system integrating Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) and crop production at Al Haggag Farms, Egypt, owned by Dr. Hesham Haggag, who established the first aquaponics farm in Egypt in 2010 (used with permission from Dr. Haggag). reducing dependence on unstable grids in remote areas. Photovoltaic panels are being used to power water pumps and aerators as well as biological and mechanical filters, lighting and monitoring systems, ultimately lowering operational costs while achieving sustainability with a low carbon footprint. (Vo et al. 2021)which is estimated to be about 40% of the total energy cost. However, it is possible to reduce this expense using alternatives such as renewable energy (i.e., solar energy. Around the world, many organizations have already adapted to this approach in aquaculture. In Egypt, the Centre for Renewable Energy in Aquaculture (CeREA) has advanced innovative renewable energy solutions. Although solar energy is effective during the daytime, wind turbines can create a complementary source of energy. In windy areas, small wind turbines can be installed together with solar panels to create hybrid energy configurations that ensure continuous electricity generation. In recent years, research has shown a growing trend to investigate this area. One such innovative application of hybrid energy powered aquaculture was evaluated in Karbala, Iraq (Kassem et al. 2025)which is capable of reducing Greenhouse Gas (GHG. Biomass energy offers a sustainable solution aligned with the circular economic model for aquaculture. Through anaerobic digestion, organic waste including uneaten feed and fish residues Given population growth, with the accelerating impacts of climate change, food security has emerged as a pressing global challenge. Aquaculture has become the world’s fastest-growing sector for animal protein. However, its future is threatened by the sector’s limited ability to adapt to sustainability challenges such as water scarcity and rising feed costs, amid constraints on energy availability. Consequently, the sustainability of aquaculture will depend on efficient and responsible utilisation of limited resources. Greening aquaculture by adopting environmentally responsible and resource-efficient practices represents a necessity for the sustainability of productivity, securing food supplies, and strengthening the stability of communities in the long term. Sustainable Energy Solutions Energy costs are one of the biggest challenges facing aquaculture, and total dependence on fossil fuels for aeration, pumping and temperature control has implications for long-term sustainability. To be more resilient against price fluctuations and environmental conditions while maintaining continuous operations, fish farms will need to adopt wide-ranging energy strategies that not only diversify renewable energy options but also incorporate technologies that minimize energy consumption, resulting in selfsustaining, economically viable systems. Solar energy is the most prevalent solution for aquaculture. Its function is to provide clean, reliable electricity, significantly Greening Aquaculture: Sustainable Practices for a Resource-Limited Future (From a Perspective Consistent with Global Trends) Yomna Elshamy (CONTINUED ON PAGE 64) Given population growth, with the accelerating impacts of climate change, food security has emerged as a pressing global challenge. Aquaculture has become the world's fastest-growing sector for animal protein. However, its future is threatened by the sector’s limited ability to adapt to sustainability challenges such as water scarcity and rising feed costs, amid constraints on energy availability.
RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy MjExNDY=