Aquaculture

Aquaculture Overview

  • Aquaculture, also known as fish or shellfish farming, refers to the breeding, rearing, and harvesting of plants and animals in all types of water environments including ponds, rivers, lakes, and the ocean.

  • It represents a crucial part of the world’s skimping, making up almost 50% of the world’s seafood supply. In fact, it’s the fastest growing food-producing sector, outpacing livestock farming and capture fisheries.

Aquaculture Types

  • Marine Aquaculture involves the cultivation of species that live in the ocean. This can include finfish like salmon and halibut, shellfish like oysters, clams, crabs and shrimp; and seaweed.

  • Freshwater Aquaculture produces species that are native to rivers, lakes, and streams. Trout, catfish, and tilapia are commonly farmed freshwater species.

Aquaculture Methods

  • Open-System Aquaculture: These systems have a continuous exchange of water. It includes cage-based systems in open water, and pond-based systems on land.

  • Closed-System Aquaculture: In these systems, water is treated and recycled through the system. It’s typically used for high-value species and is more common in developed countries.

  • Integrated Multi-trophic Aquaculture (IMTA): IMTA is an advanced approach where the waste products from one species are recycled to become inputs (fertilizer, food) for another.

Benefits and limitations of Aquaculture

  • Benefits: Aquaculture can relieve the pressure on over-fished wild fish stocks. It’s a key source of high-quality protein and helps to improve food security. It’s also a significant source of livelihood and income for many people globally.

  • Limitations: Uncontrolled aquaculture can lead to environmental impacts including water pollution, destruction of mangroves, and damage to wildlife from escaped farmed species. It can also lead to ethical concerns over animal welfare, especially in intensive farming operations.

Aquaculture Management and Sustainability

  • Sustainable aquaculture involves implementing practices designed to minimise the environmental impact, and build an economically viable industry that also benefits society.

  • It means using methods that uphold ecosystem integrity, such as IMTA and organic aquaculture, which aim to utilise resources more efficiently and reduce waste.

  • Key principles for sustainability include protecting water quality, conserving ecosystems, improving fish health and welfare, using feeds responsibly, and maintaining high genetic diversity in cultured populations.

  • Policies and regulations are necessary to guide sustainable development of the aquaculture industry, and to mitigate potential negative impacts. This includes rules on siting and operation of farms, feed use, disease management, and control of escapes.