In a recent study, experts at Cardiff University’s Water Research Institute quantified the carbon footprint and environmental impact of pet fish. The study revealed that tropical fish aquariums contribute to a significant proportion of annual household CO2 emissions and water use.
Traditionally, environmental studies have focused on the ecological footprint of domestic mammals, such as cats and dogs. However, this latest research shifts the spotlight to the previously neglected tropical fish pet industry.
There are around four million households in the UK alone with pet fish. According to Dr. William Perry, research associate at the Institute, estimates that 70% of that number keep tropical freshwater aquariums.
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Results of the Study
Dr. William Perry developed estimates of the environmental impact of fish farming in various countries in Northern Europe (France, Poland and England). The estimates are discussed in the context of freshwater and marine aquariums, calculated using the example 50, 200 and 400 liter aquarium sizes.
Based on British data, Dr. research. Perry points out that a tropical aquarium can produce a significant 85.3 to 635.2 kg of CO2 per year, depending on size and operating conditions. This equates to 1.6% to 12.4%of the UK’s annual average household CO2 emissions.
Additionally, the study revealed that tropical aquariums can consume from 156 to 31,200 liters of water per year. This consumption rate translates to between 0.2% and 30.1% of the UK’s annual average household water use, depending largely on the size of the aquarium and the maintenance routine used.
Environmental Awareness
However, the environmental impact of keeping fish can also be huge depending on the size of the aquarium, how it is managed, and even in which country. There are still improvements that can be made to ensure the environmental sustainability of the hobby.
There are many types of pet fish, but they are usually divided into two categories: freshwater fish and saltwater fish. Freshwater fish tend to be more adaptable and require less complicated equipment. Saltwater fish, on the other hand, are generally more demanding to keep, and are known for their interesting behavior.
Fish keeping involves more than just feeding your fish and changing the water occasionally. This requires an understanding of the specific needs of the species you are keeping. Factors such as diet, water temperature, pH level, and species suitable for cohabitation must all be considered.
As proven by the research of Dr. William Perry, fish farming is related to environmental impacts such as high water consumption. Making conscious choices about tank size, number and species of fish, and maintenance routines can make all the difference in reducing this environmental impact.
The environmental impact of the energy demands of raising fish will increase as national energy grids begin to decarbonise, but mitigating the environmental impact of high water consumption will not be easy. This is an important consideration as we face the climate emergency due to our need for energy and water.
Source: earth.com, dailymail.co.uk
