Effective Altruism: Creating Sustainable Aquaculture in Grenada

When evaluating impactful philanthropy through the lens of Effective Altruism, we use three criteria:

1. Large scale problems affecting the most vulnerable

2. Neglected

3. Solvable

For me, the Grenada Sustainable Aquaculture project was a perfect fit.

Sustainable Economy

The global aquaculture industry employs approximately 18.7 million people. Economists estimate that the income earned by each fish farmer supports four family members. The training of women in aquaculture technology empowers them to become financially independent. The economic health of the entire community is improved.

Unlike traditional fish farms, the Grenada Sustainable Aquaculture (GSA) project is focused on developing skilled workers and management staff. A much higher percentage of highly compensated technology, biology and operations positions are embedded in the GSA model. The project not only provides sustainable employment but is helping to raise the annual income for the people of Grenada.

Solving Grenada’s Large-Scale Problem of a Vulnerable Economy

Boom and bust cycles have a negative impact on society. Disease outbreaks, natural disasters, conflicts, and other societal upheavals serve to erase whatever gains are achieved. Grenada needs a better way to deal with boom and bust cycles caused by external events.

The two primary engines driving economic development in Grenada are tourism and agriculture. Frequent hurricanes and other natural disasters increase Grenada’s public debt, threatening economic gains from agricultural exports.

This year, Grenada has been significantly impacted by the coronavirus pandemic. According to the Prime Minister’s office, Grenada experienced virtually no arrivals in the second and third quarters this year.

Grenada needs sustainable employment that can overcome disruptions. Aquaculture has proven to recover more quickly after hurricanes, outpacing other sectors of the economy. It serves as a safety net, enabling self-sufficiency regardless of global events.

Food Security

Widespread ocean trawling by large commercial fish companies, has destroyed ocean bottoms, wiping out vulnerable shrimp breeding and nursery grounds. At the same time, worldwide demand for fish-based protein is on the rise.

Sustainable aquaculture has proven to be a major contributor to food security. Salmon and shrimp aquaculture are not merely food products but are highly valued commodities in international markets. GSA is providing premium, sustainable seafood that improves food security and builds the overall reputation of Grenada. The ocean’s fragile ecosystem is protected, and food security is sustained.

Reducing the Environmental Footprint

The Caribbean Development Bank identified five priority areas in environmental management, three have health implications,

· inappropriate coastal development

· solid waste management

· contamination of drinking water supplies.

Aquaculture, when utilizing sustainable methods, can serve as a primary contributor to reducing the environmental footprint. For instance,

· integrating renewable energy systems, such as wind turbines, solar-powered heating, and cooling systems

· no antibiotics or chemicals

· responsible water usage

· monitoring water quality.

A Large-Scale Problem That is Solvable

GSA is a cutting-edge business venture focused on developing intensive commercial shrimp farming using new, sustainable methods. It’s reducing pressure on wild fish stocks under stress across the globe due to overfishing.

GSA will provide consistent, high-paying employment that is sustainable through upheavals due to storms, pandemics, and other global disruptions. It’s the kind of project that perfectly fits the matrix of effective altruism.