Study Finds that Keeping a Tank of Tropical Fish Can Contribute to Greenhouse Gas Emissions Equivalent to Driving for Thousands of Miles
- The biggest environmental factors include heating the water and the country of origin
- An average tropical aquarium produces 85.3 – 635.2 kg of CO2 per year
A study by Cardiff University’s Water Research Institute has found that keeping a tank of tropical fish can contribute as much greenhouse gas as driving thousands of miles in a car or on a motorbike.
For the first time, the carbon footprint and environmental impacts of keeping pet fish have been calculated. Dr. William Perry, Research Associate at the Institute, states that approximately 4 million households in the UK own a pet fish, with 70% of fish owners having a tropical freshwater aquarium.
Dr. Perry explains, “The carbon footprint of owning pets such as dogs and cats has been previously calculated, but we have provided the first estimates of carbon dioxide emissions produced from running a tropical aquarium, as well as estimated water consumption.”
The study analyzes the environmental impacts of fishkeeping in multiple countries in Northern Europe, including France, Poland, and the UK.
Keeping a tank of tropical fish could contribute as much greenhouse gas as driving thousands of miles in a car or a motorbike, a study has found (file image)
The study reveals that, based on UK estimates, an average tropical aquarium produces an estimated 85.3 – 635.2 kg of CO2 per year. This is equivalent to traveling 3,483 miles on an average motorcycle or 2,265 miles in an average petrol car.
The Department for Transport reports that the average motorcyclist makes around 440 trips per year, totaling 4,800 miles annually, resulting in approximately 875 kg of CO2 emissions.
Heating the water, especially in larger aquariums, and the country of origin were identified as the biggest environmental factors.
Dr. Perry suggests that while ornamental fishkeeping can be a more environmentally conscious choice compared to owning dogs or cats, it is important to consider the size, operation, and location of the aquarium to minimize environmental impact.
The Department for Transport says the average motorcyclist makes around 440 trips per year on their machine and averages 4,800 miles per year (file image)
Dr. Perry concludes, “There are still improvements that can be made to ensure the environmental sustainability of the hobby. The environmental impact from the energy needs of keeping fish will improve as national energy grids start to decarbonize, but reducing the environmental impact of high water consumption will not come easily and will require ingenuity at the individual level. These are important considerations as we face a climate emergency linked with our demands for energy, as well as water insecurity linked with our demands for water.”
The research, titled “The environmental impact of keeping a tropical aquarium in Northern Europe”, has been published in the Journal of Fish Biology.
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