Methods for greenhouse gas emission accounting in inland aquaculture: a systematic review

This study systematically reviews methodologies for greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions accounting in inland aquaculture, focusing on their applicability to carbon footprint assessments. Aquaculture, as a critical component of global food production, faces growing investigation over its environmental impacts. The review identifies and evaluates two primary GHG measurement methods—floating static chambers and sediment analysis—against four criteria: flexibility, accessibility, precision, and ease of implementation. A  comprehensive feasibility analysis indicates that while floating static chambers offer greater adaptability and simplicity, sediment analysis delivers higher precision, albeit with increased operational complexity. The study highlights the need for standardized functional units, recommending CO₂-equivalent emissions per kilogram of fish or edible meat produced as the most appropriate metric. Although each method has limitations, their integration can enable a more holistic approach to GHG accounting in aquaculture systems. By promoting accurate, scalable, and context-specific tools, this research emphasizes aquaculture’s potential to become a low-carbon, sustainable source of protein, capable of meeting global nutritional demands while minimizing environmental impacts.