Aquaponics is a farming method that utilizes water from a fish tank to sustain and grow plants. The fish waste provides nutrients to the plants, and the plants filter the water that the fish live in. Although the aquaponic systems discussed in class were located in Hawaii, this method of farming is also ideal for cities. Several aquaponic farms have emerged in Brooklyn, including Verticulture, Edenworks, and OKO farms.

Verticulture Farms, located on a roof in Bedstuy, Brooklyn, focuses on agricultural sustainability through efficient technology. Their aquaponics system is environmentally conscious and allows for the conservation of natural resources. In addition to having environmental benefits, the farm also helps provide local communities with healthy, fresh food such as kale, basil, and tilapia. Powered by nearly 200 tilapia fish, the farm is able to produce 30 to 40 pounds of basil each week.

Like Verticulture Farms, Edenworks is also powered by tilapia, but on a much larger scale. The company is capable of producing 130,000 pounds of leafy greens a year, along with 50,000 pounds of fish. In addition to sustainability, aquaponic farming requires less space; Edenworks can produce nearly as much output as a 1,300-acre farm in central New York.

Oko Farms, located in Bushwick, also brings a high yield of vegetables to surrounding communities while also reducing pollution and fish consumption. This farm is the largest outdoor aquaponics system in New York City, supplying many local restaurants and institutions.

Sources:

http://www.okofarms.com/projects/

http://www.theverge.com/2016/6/15/11937882/verticulture-aquaponic-farm-brooklyn-fish-poop-fertilizer

http://www.ecowatch.com/3-aquaponic-farms-in-brooklyn-killing-it1891176412.html