What is Aquaculture? (SL IB Environmental Systems & Societies (ESS))

What is Aquaculture?

• Aquaculture, also known as fish farming or aquafarming, refers to the cultivation of aquatic organisms in controlled environments such as ponds, tanks, or ocean enclosures
• It involves the rearing, breeding, and harvesting of various species of fish, shellfish, algae, and other aquatic organisms for commercial, recreational, or conservation purposes
• Aquatic flora and fauna, both freshwater and marine, are harvested by humans through various methods to meet different needs and purposes. 

Photo by Lucut Razvan on Unsplash 

Fish farming is one example of aquaculture

Finfish and Shellfish

• Finfish such as salmon, tilapia, and catfish are commonly harvested through aquaculture
  • They are reared in ponds, cages, or tanks and fed a controlled diet until they reach market size
• Shellfish, including oysters, mussels, and clams, are cultivated in coastal areas or specialised farms
  • They are grown on submerged structures or suspended ropes, allowing them to filter feed and grow

Shrimp and Prawns

• Shrimp and prawn farming is prevalent in both freshwater and marine environments
  • Ponds or enclosed systems are used to cultivate these crustaceans
  • They are fed a formulated diet and managed until they reach harvestable size

Seaweed and Algae

• Ropes, nets, or floating structures are used to grow these aquatic plants in coastal or oceanic waters
  • Harvesting involves manually cutting or collecting mature seaweed or algae biomass from the cultivation structures

Molluscs and Bivalves

• Molluscs such as scallops, abalone, and snails, as well as bivalves like mussels and clams, are often harvested from natural or artificial beds in both freshwater and marine environments
  • They are often collected using handpicking, rakes, or dredges, depending on the species and harvesting location

The Growth of Aquaculture

The growth of global aquaculture

• Aquaculture plays a crucial role in meeting the growing demand for seafood while reducing pressure on wild fish populations
• Aquaculture has experienced significant growth to meet the increasing global demand for seafood, which is driven by population growth, changing dietary preferences, and rising incomes
• By cultivating fish, shellfish, and other aquatic organisms through aquaculture, the pressure on wild fish populations can be reduced, allowing them to recover and the ecological balance of these marine ecosystems to be restored
• Aquaculture has the potential to provide a reliable and sustainable source of seafood, helping to meet the protein needs of a growing population, whilst also minimising the impact on wild fish stocks

   1. Providing additional food resources

• • Aquaculture contributes to global food security by providing an additional source of nutritious food resources
  • Cultivating fish and shellfish through aquaculture offers a consistent supply of protein-rich seafood, which can help address nutritional deficiencies and improve human health in many parts of the world
  • The controlled environments of aquaculture systems allow for efficient production and reduced waste, making it an important method for increasing food production

   2. Supporting economic development

• • Aquaculture has emerged as a significant sector in the global economy, generating employment opportunities, income, and economic growth
  • It provides livelihoods for millions of people, particularly in coastal and rural communities, where fishing and aquaculture activities are integral to the local economy
  • Aquaculture encourages trade and investments, contributing to the overall development and prosperity of regions and whole countries

The potential value of aquaculture for providing food for future generations

Image from the NOAA: [1], Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons

A shrimp hatchery attempts to provide a sustainable source of seafood

• The growth of aquaculture is expected to continue in the coming years due to several factors:
  • Rising global demand for seafood - the growing population, urbanisation, and changing dietary preferences drive the need for increased seafood production
  • Technological advancements - ongoing research and technological developments in aquaculture practices, breeding techniques, feed formulations, and disease management are enhancing production efficiency and sustainability
  • Environmental considerations - aquaculture is evolving towards more environmentally friendly and sustainable practices, addressing concerns such as waste management, habitat impacts, and ecosystem interactions
  • Innovation and diversification - the development of new species for aquaculture, such as high-value finfish and seaweed, opens up opportunities for market expansion and product diversification
  • Policy support - Governments and international organisations are promoting and investing in aquaculture development to address food security, reduce pressure on wild fish stocks, and support economic growth

• Aquaculture has already grown significantly in order to meet the growing global demand for seafood, providing additional food resources, and supporting economic development in many countries and communities around the world
• With continued advancements and technological innovations, aquaculture is expected to play an increasingly vital role in the global food system, contributing to food security, economic prosperity, and potentially even long-term environmental sustainability