Why German consumers need to reconsider their preferences: The ethical argument for aquaculture

Abstract

This paper addresses food production from global aquaculture. It is noted that German consumers in particular express a profound scepticism towards food products stemming from aquaculture. This attitude is reinforced by the German media, and it is supported by various NGOs with significant impact on public perception. For instance, a recent TV production supported by the German branch of the WWF attempted to portray the Vietnamese imports of Pangasius - a freshwater catfish - as unethical and unsafe. Similar films have earlier been released in regard to salmon aquaculture. There are several arguments why these presentations are, at best, only presenting half-truths, or even so biased that the result is misinformation. Current research projects, such as the EU SEAT project, are attempting to clarify the scientific information. However, the underlying consumer worries may deserve a more principled discussion, in particular in regard to ethics. This paper addresses some of the ethical arguments for aquaculture on a generic level. In order to do so, the general challenges of global food security in light of climate change are outlined as a backdrop. Then some ethical arguments are considered in more detail. These are, among others, the argument of 'naturalness', typically resulting in scepticism towards industrialized products and intensive productions. Furthermore, the argument of responsible consumption - resulting in trends of political consumerism - needs to be detailed in a different framework. It is precisely in the light and spirit of global equity, responsibility and sustainability that aquaculture products appear as ethically superior.