The oceans once seemed endless. But today, they’re under intense pressure. With a global population projected to reach 10 billion by 2050, the question looms large: can our oceans sustainably feed the world?
Overfishing: A Global Crisis in the Making
Growing up near the coast of Florida, I developed a deep love for the ocean. But the reality is sobering—90% of global marine fisheries are either fully exploited or overfished. A 2018 study revealed that over 55% of the ocean surface is used for commercial fishing, far outpacing land used for agriculture.
This isn’t just a threat to marine ecosystems—it’s a direct risk to over 3 billion people worldwide who depend on oceans for food, jobs, and livelihoods.
As seafood consumption rises—currently doubling the pace of global population growth—our dependence on aquatic food sources is growing unsustainably. Even with improved fisheries management, wild-caught seafood has a hard limit. We simply cannot catch more without devastating marine biodiversity.
The Urgent Need for Alternative Seafood Solutions
To reduce the strain on natural fisheries, we need to diversify our protein sources. Enter alternative seafood: plant-based and cultivated fish.
These innovations offer sustainable solutions that can reduce overfishing, protect marine life, and support food security for a growing population. And they’re not just eco-friendly—they’re climate-smart too.
Climate Change and Seafood: A Dangerous Feedback Loop
The seafood industry is both a victim and contributor to climate change. Ocean warming, acidification, and shifting ecosystems are already reducing the productivity of fisheries and aquaculture. In fact, 90% of seafood production is vulnerable to climate change.
By 2030, global seafood demand is projected to grow by 14%. But expanding wild-capture or aquaculture to meet this demand would place enormous pressure on marine ecosystems.
The Climate Benefits of Alternative Proteins
Alternative seafood can break this damaging cycle by avoiding emissions from fuel-hungry vessels and aquafeed manufacturing.
According to the Good Food Institute:
- Plant-based seafood has a greenhouse gas (GHG) footprint 33% lower than farmed fish and 75% lower than farmed crustaceans.
- Cultivated seafood (produced with renewable energy) may have even lower emissions than wild-caught or farmed seafood.
- Seafood alternatives require less energy than land-based meats, as fish can be cultivated at lower temperatures.
Biodiversity and Ocean Health: Why Alternative Seafood Matters
The ocean gives us oxygen, food, and water—but we’re degrading this vital ecosystem. Since 2008, the percentage of the ocean impacted by human activity has jumped from 40% to nearly two-thirds.
Overfishing, habitat destruction, and pollution are key drivers of marine biodiversity loss, while climate change and ocean acidification worsen the crisis.
Aquaculture—responsible for 50% of global seafood—can also harm sensitive coastal habitats, spread disease, and introduce pollutants if poorly managed.
How Alternative Seafood Supports Marine Biodiversity
Alternative seafood offers multiple benefits:
- Protects wild species by reducing the need for wild-caught fish
- Minimizes habitat destruction—no trawling or dredging required
- Avoids antibiotics, which can disrupt ecosystems and breed resistant bacteria
These innovations can help build a resilient, biodiverse, and sustainable global food system.
Tuna: A Real-World Example of Why We Need Alternatives
Tuna is one of the world’s most consumed fish—second only to shrimp in the U.S. Americans consume over 1 billion pounds of canned and pouched tuna annually. Globally, tuna fisheries contribute 20% of marine fishery value.
But overfishing has taken a toll. In 2011, the IUCN listed 7 out of 61 tuna species as threatened. Tuna fishing also results in high bycatch of sharks, turtles, and seabirds.
Innovative Tuna Alternatives Are on the Rise
In 2025, major progress has been made:
- Aqua Cultured Foods (USA) raised $5.5 million to produce fungi-based tuna, shrimp, and scallops using fermentation.
- Konscious Foods (Canada) secured $5 million to expand plant-based sushi and seafood alternatives, including tuna avocado rolls and vegan smoked salmon.
- BettaF!sh (Germany) launched TU-NAH Sandwiches with Austria’s leading grocery chain BILLA, boosting access to eco-friendly, plant-based tuna.
Building a Resilient, Sustainable Seafood Future
A recent New York Times article suggested skipping seafood altogether when sustainable options aren’t available. But with plant-based and cultivated seafood alternatives, we no longer have to choose between sustainability and taste.
Why Alternative Seafood Is Essential for the Future:
- Reduces pressure on wild fish stocks
- Minimizes habitat destruction and bycatch
- Lowers greenhouse gas emissions
- Supports biodiversity and food security
The Path Forward
The shift to alternative seafood is not just a trend—it’s a global necessity. To feed a population of 10 billion sustainably, we must:
- Invest in research and innovation
- Scale production of plant-based and cultivated seafood
- Educate consumers on sustainable choices
Alternative seafood is the future of sustainable protein. It’s time to support the startups, scientists, and changemakers driving this revolution.
This article is inspired by insights from The Good Food Institute.