Some of the problems that Aquaponics is trying to overcome...

GMO’s G enetically M odified O rganisms

What’s wrong with this picture ?

Food growers are using science to genetically modify the fruits and vegetables that they grow. Have you ever noticed how “perfect” they are when you see them in grocery stores?

By changing the DNA of an organism, Scientists and Genetic Engineers can create “better” food products. These new products are called GMO’s. GMO = G enetically M odified O rganism This seems like a good idea.... BUT IS IT ????

Or did you ever think it would be nice to have an apple that NEVER gets brown... Or a tomato that grows in winter snow ? Scientists are changing the chromosomes inside fruits and vegetables to make them Genetically SUPERIOR. Advantages: crops that are more resistant to predators & disease better looking fruits and vegetables longer and better growing seasons for crops crops that fit the needs of consumers better The GOOD...

GMO Corn – not eaten by insects Non-GMO Corn – eaten by insects GMO Potato (doesn’t decay) non- GMO Potato (does decay) The GOOD...

We are discovering that GMO’s – genetically modified foods are causing serious problems. The BAD... Studies are showing that by injecting foods with other DNA, bacteria, and even viruses, people are getting sick - possible increase cancer risks. Some GMO crops require harsher insecticides to kill bugs – they also harm us, kill wildlife, and contaminate fresh water resources. New artificially “designed” species are evolving that were never intended by nature. This may have a devastating impact on how our future world looks.

Geneticists have bred GMO pigs that glow in the dark by inserting into their DNA a gene for bioluminescence from a jellyfish. Tomatoes have been developed that resist frost and freezing temperatures with antifreeze genes from a cold-water fish, the winter flounder (Pseudopleuronectes americanus). The Food and Drug Administration also recently approved potatoes that don’t bruise and apples that don’t brown. The apples have been genetically engineered to reducing levels of enzymes that can cause browning or bruising. DNAapproved Here are some of the ways that Scientists have done... Genetic Engineering:

Genetically Modified crops DO NOT yield higher amounts of crops or make crops more nutritious. GMO’s make for more durable crops for long-distance travel from Farm to store. A result of Aquaponics is a decrease in FOOD MILES. FOOD MILES = the distance food travels from the farm to your plate. There is NO NEED for GMO’s with Aquaponics !

Food Miles: it is estimated that fruits and vegetables travel about 1200 miles from farm to American dinner plate.

High Food Miles = HIGH use of Fossil Fuels (Coal, Gas, Oil) Fossil Fuels are NON-RENEWABLE Fossil Fuels cause Carbon Dioxide (CO 2 ) to go into the air and cause climate change (it is a GreenHouse Gas)

Food Deserts

If I said... FOOD DESERT, would you think of someplace like this?

It could be some place like this.

Or it could be some place like this.

Food Deserts are located in BOTH Urban (city) and Rural settings.

Aquaponics helps people in BOTH Urban and Rural areas get access to fresh produce and fish. Based on the definition of a FOOD DESERT, more Urban people live in a food desert since they cannot find fresh food and produce within 1 mile of their home. And... NO, Fast food does NOT count!

By-Catch

Bycatch, in the fishing industry, is a fish or other marine species that is caught unintentionally while catching certain target species and target sizes of fish, crabs etc.

It happens because fishing boats use trawl nets.

Fish are grown locally in Aquaponics systems. There is no need to trawl the ocean floors for fish.

Environmental Sustainability

Are we sustaining our resources? Environmental = when we use our resources Sustainability slower than they regenerate.

What will happen if a tree takes 20 years to mature but we cut one down every 2 years ? We will not be able to sustain forests on the Earth.

For your children and grandchildren to see a forest, we MUST create a Sustainable Environment.

Why is it difficult to catch a Flounder at the Jersey shore? There aren’t many left... We over-fished them.

Where do our products come from?

In which box should these products be placed based on where they come from? FARM Natural Resources Factory Store

In which box should these products be placed based on where they come from? FARM Natural Resources Factory Store

In which box should these products be placed based on where they come from? FARM Natural Resources Factory Store