Aquaponics is a “circular organic agriculture” that grows vegetables and fish simultaneously. It is a production system that references the natural ecosystem: Microorganisms decompose fish excrement, plants absorb it as nutrients, and the purified water returns to the fish tank. Using this system improves fertilizer efficiency and saves more than 80% of water compared to soil cultivation. This system is both productive and environmentally friendly because of no pesticides, chemical fertilizers, and herbicides. Aquaponics’ products are approved by the USDA (U.S. organic certification.)
This system has benefit for people who manages it; as an example, several companies in Kanagawa Prefecture has introduced this system, and employees with disabilities are capable to manage it. The vegetables grown under the aquaponics system are served for their office cafeteria. By learning and experiencing the aquaponics ecosystem, people involved to this system finds joy and feels motivated towards work. Additionally, the communication between the coworkers increased. Aquaponics can also improve our well-being.
The system of Aquaponics has a high potential to develop food circulation, distribution, and resource circulation over the conventional farming and aquaculture method. This result in promotion of local consumption.