Unlocking the potential of a novel integrated multi-trophic aquaculture (IMTA) approach for producing resilient foods at scale in a post nuclear war world: A perspective exploiting freshwater fish, duckweed and microalgae

The global agriculture system governing food security is strongly reliant upon environmental conditions including temperature, precipitation and sunlight, all of which could be significantly disrupted by a catastrophe such as a nuclear war. In addition to affecting primary agricultural productivity, a nuclear war would compromise critical supply chains and infrastructure. This perspective paper addresses a potentially new food production approach post catastrophe using integrated multitrophic aquaculture (IMTA) systems operating at scale. Developing a rapidly deployable IMTA system that (a) does not rely on using fertilizers, pesticides, pollination nor seed, (b) does not require arable land, (c) uses wastewater, (c), produces different secondary biomass (food) options rich in protein based on using fish waste produced onsite, (d) uses renewable wind energy, and (e) operates to zero waste principles underscore the rationale for its development and deployment post catastrophe. This regional approach may be rapidly deployed (within 4 to 6 months) to help offset reduced yields achieved from staple agricultural crops affected by abrupt sunlight reduction (ASR) and climatic cooling post catastrophe. By combining IMTA with onsite renewable wind-power, the system could potentially continue to operate, albeit at reduced levels of efficiency based, on previously modelled nuclear winter scenarios. Options for different resilient foods produced and dried at IMTA sites from same fish waste stream are described based on important factors for disaster preparedness and recovery. Despite the efficient demonstration and production of fish, duckweed and microalgae, it would be very challenging to replicate this same approach elsewhere in an appropriate timeframe to offset short term loss of food reserves given current operational challenges ranging from planning permission to meeting supply chain expectations. This paper provides a valuable insight into tangible issues to be addressed for the scaling of IMTA systems to support dietary needs of local and potentially regional populations. Given increasing geopolitical uncertainties globally, this paper highlights the potential need for developing resilient food processes that do not compete with staple foods for water, soil, fertilizer nor seed. However there is a pressing need to strategically invest, share knowledge and prepare IMTA sites ahead of a catastrophe so as to appropriately meet societal needs.