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Plastic pollution represents a pervasive and escalating threat to aquaculture systems worldwide, infiltrating ecosystems through the degradation of commonly used materials like nets, cages, and buoys, thereby contributing to environmental degradation, bioaccumulation in seafood, and substantial risks to human health. Microplastics, originating from both aquaculture operations and external sources, bioaccumulate in farmed species, leading to toxicological effects such as oxidative stress, endocrine disruption, and reduced productivity, while also posing economic burdens estimated at billions in lost ecosystem services annually. This chapter explores the integration of circular economy (CE) principles encompassing waste elimination, material circulation, and natural regeneration as a strategic framework to mitigate plastic infiltration in aquaculture. By shifting from linear “take-make-dispose” models to closed-loop systems, CE promotes reducing waste through efficient design, reusing equipment via modular repairs, and recycling plastics into new resources, thereby enhancing resource efficiency and sustainability. Drawing on comprehensive analyses of plastic pollution sources, including direct gear fragmentation and indirect vectors like contaminated feeds, alongside their multifaceted ecological and health impacts. The chapter discusses innovative strategies for redesigning aquaculture practices. Practical applications are explored through case studies from regions like French Polynesia’s pearl farming, Norway’s SINTEF initiatives, and Europe’s INdIGO project, which demonstrate waste reduction, economic value creation, and environmental benefits. Challenges such as high costs, regulatory barriers, and infrastructural limitations are addressed, alongside opportunities like technological advancements and policy support. Ultimately, adopting circular approaches not only curbs pollution but also bolsters resilience, fosters innovation, and secures food security in global aquaculture, aligning with SDGs for sustainable production and marine life conservation.

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Integrating the Circular Economy Principles to Tackle Plastic Pollution in Aquaculture

  • 章节

  • 发表日期：

    2026年

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  • Michael N. Mateus,
  • Ndakalimwe Naftal Gabriel

摘要

Plastic pollution represents a pervasive and escalating threat to aquaculture systems worldwide, infiltrating ecosystems through the degradation of commonly used materials like nets, cages, and buoys, thereby contributing to environmental degradation, bioaccumulation in seafood, and substantial risks to human health. Microplastics, originating from both aquaculture operations and external sources, bioaccumulate in farmed species, leading to toxicological effects such as oxidative stress, endocrine disruption, and reduced productivity, while also posing economic burdens estimated at billions in lost ecosystem services annually. This chapter explores the integration of circular economy (CE) principles encompassing waste elimination, material circulation, and natural regeneration as a strategic framework to mitigate plastic infiltration in aquaculture. By shifting from linear “take-make-dispose” models to closed-loop systems, CE promotes reducing waste through efficient design, reusing equipment via modular repairs, and recycling plastics into new resources, thereby enhancing resource efficiency and sustainability. Drawing on comprehensive analyses of plastic pollution sources, including direct gear fragmentation and indirect vectors like contaminated feeds, alongside their multifaceted ecological and health impacts. The chapter discusses innovative strategies for redesigning aquaculture practices. Practical applications are explored through case studies from regions like French Polynesia’s pearl farming, Norway’s SINTEF initiatives, and Europe’s INdIGO project, which demonstrate waste reduction, economic value creation, and environmental benefits. Challenges such as high costs, regulatory barriers, and infrastructural limitations are addressed, alongside opportunities like technological advancements and policy support. Ultimately, adopting circular approaches not only curbs pollution but also bolsters resilience, fosters innovation, and secures food security in global aquaculture, aligning with SDGs for sustainable production and marine life conservation.