Aquaponics is a portmanteau combining aquaculture and hydroponics and is a growing industry in the United Kingdom and around the world. How exactly does it work? According to Acquaponics UK, "[f]ish and plants are grown in a symbiotic balance. Wastes from the fish provide nutrients for the plants, and in turn the plants filter the water for the fish. Plant off cuts can then be composted in wormeries to provide food for the fish and so the cycle continues… Crops are constantly harvested and the system feeds and watering itself in a sustainable ecosystem approach to food production. Surround the system with a greenhouse, add lady birds and other beneficial insects and a microcosm is born…"
Essentially, this not-for-profit social enterprise is a consultancy and researching firm but also supports domestic farmers.
Contact Information
Aquaponics UK website
Aquaponics on Twitter
Why This Trend Is Growing
- Closed Loop Plant Systems
- Aquaponics UK is utilizing a closed loop plant system for sustainable food production.
- Sustainable Agriculture
- This industry is moving towards sustainable agriculture with the use of aquaponic systems.
- Circular Economies
- Aquaponics UK is contributing to the development of circular economies through its waste-to-nutrient approach.
Industries Being Reshaped
- Agriculture
- The agriculture industry can benefit from adopting aquaponic systems for sustainable food production.
- Environmental Services
- Companies in the environmental services industry can explore the use of aquaponics for waste-to-nutrient solutions.
- Consulting
- Aquaponics UK's consultancy services can support and disrupt the traditional consulting industry by promoting sustainable and closed-loop systems.
