The Importance of Sustainable Aquaculture in Our Future | Perry Raso | TEDxProvidence

Summary

The speaker recounts starting clam harvesting at age 12, leading to a career in aquaculture and fisheries. After realizing the potential of aquaculture to meet the growing demand for seafood sustainably, they pursued studies and eventually established a successful oyster farm in Rhode Island. The farm expanded to include a restaurant and organic vegetable farming, demonstrating the viability of farm-to-plate operations and the importance of sustainable seafood production.

Takeaways

• 🔍 The speaker started his career in clam harvesting at the age of 12, learning the trade in Point Judith Pond, Rhode Island.
• 💧 He experienced the harsh realities of commercial fishing, including the physical demands and economic uncertainties of the industry.
• 🏫 Despite initial aspirations to become a doctor, the speaker realized his passion for the ocean and pursued a degree in aquaculture and fisheries technology.
• 🌱 Aquaculture is identified as the fastest-growing food-producing business globally, with a critical role in addressing the gap between seafood supply and demand.
• 🌐 The speaker discovered a scholarship opportunity to study in Africa, which was a turning point in his life and career direction.
• 🌍 In Cape Verde, he recognized the potential of aquaculture to meet global needs, not just for personal livelihood but for poverty alleviation and protein provision.
• 📈 The speaker's goal became to establish aquaculture farms in developing countries, contributing to sustainable food production and economic development.
• 🦪 He successfully scaled his own shellfish farm from one acre to multiple acres, selling to local and national markets, demonstrating the viability of small-scale aquaculture.
• 🍽️ The speaker diversified his business by purchasing a waterfront property and establishing a restaurant, which became renowned and contributed to the farm-to-table movement.
• 🌿 He expanded into organic vegetable farming, further integrating agriculture with his seafood business and enhancing the farm-to-plate concept.
• 🌊 Rhode Island's shellfish aquaculture has seen significant growth, increasing production by over 800 tons in 20 years, illustrating the potential for sustainable seafood production globally.

Q & A

At what age did the speaker start his career in clam harvesting?

The speaker started his career in clam harvesting at the age of 12.

What method was used by the speaker and his friend to harvest clams initially?

They used a rake with a t-handle to drag through the sediment and collect clams.

How did the speaker's experience in clam harvesting evolve over the years?

The speaker became more efficient at clam harvesting, started scuba diving, and eventually studied aquaculture and fisheries technology at the University of Rhode Island.

What was the speaker's initial fear about his career in clam harvesting?

The speaker was initially afraid that he would not be able to afford a house, which he learned costs $200,000, and was scared of being homeless.

What were the three realizations the speaker had while in college in Colorado?

He realized he wouldn't get into medical school, he was financially on his own and accumulating student debt, and he loved working on the ocean.

What is the definition of aquaculture according to the speaker?

Aquaculture is the growing of aquatic species, including seafood like fish and shellfish, as well as other products like seaweeds used for food and everyday products.

Why is aquaculture considered necessary for meeting the growing demand for seafood?

Aquaculture is necessary because there is a widening gap between the supply and demand of seafood, with more people fishing and catching more fish, but the demand for seafood is still climbing.

What was the turning point for the speaker in deciding to focus on aquaculture in developing countries?

The turning point was when he saw a chalk message about a scholarship to study in Africa, which led him to Cape Verde to study the potential of aquaculture.

How does the speaker describe the sustainability of shellfish farming in comparison to other forms of aquaculture?

The speaker describes shellfish farming as the epitome of sustainable agriculture, as shellfish filter water, eat phytoplankton, and increase biodiversity in the area.

What was the speaker's initial business venture after graduating from college?

The speaker started with a one-acre oyster farm, which he gradually expanded and eventually sold oysters to local restaurants, farmers markets, and wholesalers.

What was the speaker's strategy to increase the 'farm to plate' appeal of his business?

The speaker started growing organic vegetables in addition to oysters, which increased the farm to plate aspect of his business and provided customers with fresher and better products.