Ologies with Alie Ward Aquaculture Ecology (SUSTAINABLE OCEAN FOODS) with Ben Halpern
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Jun 18, 2025 
This chat features Ben Halpern, a marine ecologist and director at UCSB’s NCEAS, who dives deep into the world of aquaculture. He discusses the sustainability debate between farmed and wild fish, revealing surprising insights about shrimp farming and seaweed’s benefits. Discover the ethical implications of seafood sourcing, the role of innovative practices in fish farming, and the unique journey from skepticism to advocacy for marine conservation. Ben’s humor and personal anecdotes add a delightful touch to these serious topics.
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Ben’s Ocean Connection Journey
- Ben Halpern grew up near Oregon's coast, engaging with tide pools and streams with his biology teacher mom.
- His volunteer work at New England Aquarium sparked his marine conservation career.
Shrimp Farming Mangrove Impact
- Early shrimp aquaculture caused significant mangrove destruction, cutting about 30% globally in the 1980s and 1990s.
- Mangroves do grow back, and restoration efforts are helping these ecosystems recover over time.
Benefits of Shellfish & Seaweed Farming
- Farmed shellfish and seaweed improve water quality by filtering nutrients and providing habitat.
- These aquaculture types require no feed inputs and have minimal environmental pollution risks.