Issues in Aquaculture (SL IB Environmental Systems & Societies (ESS))

• Issues around aquaculture include:
  • Habitat loss
  • Pollution (with feed, antifouling agents, antibiotics and other medicines added to fish pens)
  • Spread of diseases
  • Escaped species (sometimes involving genetically modified organisms)
  • Ethical Issues and biorights
  • Rights of indigenous cultures

Issues in Aquaculture

Issue	Description
Habitat loss	Aquaculture facilities often require the conversion of natural habitats such as wetlands, mangroves, or coastal areas into fish farms These habitats are cleared or modified to create suitable spaces for aquaculture operations This habitat loss can have negative impacts on biodiversity, ecosystem functions, and the livelihood of local communities
Pollution	Excess nutrients from uneaten feed and fish waste can leach into the surrounding water bodies, leading to eutrophication, algal blooms, and oxygen depletion Some feed formulations may contain additives such as growth enhancers or colourants that can potentially negatively impact water quality Powerful chemicals known as antifouling agents are used to prevent the growth of marine organisms (e.g. mussels and barnacles) on aquaculture infrastructure - these biocides can leach into the surrounding water, potentially causing harm to marine life To prevent and treat diseases, aquaculture operations may use antibiotics and other medicines, which can enter the water through waste discharges and pose risks to aquatic organisms and contribute to antibiotic resistance
Spread of diseases	The high density of fish in aquaculture facilities can facilitate the spread of diseases among farmed fish, leading to increased disease risks and the need for disease management strategies If proper biosecurity measures are not in place, pathogens can also spread from aquaculture facilities to wild fish populations, impacting their health and survival
Escaped species	Escape of farmed fish from aquaculture facilities can lead to genetic interactions with wild populations, potentially impacting wild species through competition, interbreeding, or transmission of genetic diseases Some aquaculture operations involve the use of genetically modified fish, raising concerns about potential ecological impacts and ethical considerations if these fish breed with wild populations
Ethical Issues and biorights	Aquaculture raises ethical questions regarding the treatment and welfare of farmed animals, particularly in intensive farming systems Concerns centre around the confinement and stress experienced by farmed species, the use of antibiotics and growth enhancers, and the overall quality of life for the animals The concept of biorights, which advocates for the inherent rights of living organisms to exist and thrive, is often discussed in the context of aquaculture ethics
Rights of indigenous cultures	Aquaculture activities may conflict with the rights and interests of indigenous cultures and communities that rely on aquatic resources for their livelihoods and cultural practices The establishment of aquaculture facilities or the introduction of non-native species can impact traditional fishing grounds, disrupt customary practices, and potentially erode indigenous rights and cultural heritage

• In addition, issues in aquaculture can often arise regarding international conservation legislation
  • Aquaculture must comply with international conservation legislation and regulations to ensure the sustainable use of resources and to protect biodiversity
  • International frameworks such as the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES) and the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) have implications for aquaculture operations involving endangered or protected species
  • Compliance with these regulations helps prevent the exploitation of threatened species, maintain ecological balance, and ensure the long-term viability of aquaculture practices

• It is essential for the aquaculture industry, policymakers, and stakeholders to engage in dialogue and address all the issues outlined above through ethical frameworks, consultation processes, and responsible governance
• Balancing environmental sustainability, animal welfare, cultural rights, and legal obligations is crucial to maintaining an equitable and socially responsible aquaculture sector