Aquaculture, commonly known as fish farming, is an artificial farm created to produce
seafood for consumption on a large scale. Aquaculture enables the cultivation of diverse
aquatic species through controlled conditions, offering a more predictable and reliable
production than traditional fish farms. Global aquaculture is one of the fastest-growing food
supply sectors in the world. The exponential expansion of aquaculture, evident in its
increase of 600% in total world agriculture from 1990 to 2020 and its average growth rate of
6.7%, is mostly due to its profound contributions to food security and livelihoods on a global
scale. Fish serves as a vital protein source for 3.3 billion people but goes beyond mere food
sources. Fish holds immense economic value, especially for developing coastal countries,
responsible for employing approximately 60 million people in the primary sector of fisheries
and aquaculture.
Despite the significance of aquaculture and fishing in humans’ lives, environmental problems
arose due to aquaculture, and it is essential to address those challenges. One of the most
significant issues regarding aquaculture is nutrient buildup, which happens when there is a
high fish density in one area. Waste produced by fish builds up in the surrounding area and
depletes oxygen from the water, creating algal blooms and dead zones. In addition, the use
of antibiotics and pesticides by farmers to prevent disease impacts on the ecosystem around
the cages, including wild aquatic animals.
Moreover, the escape of farmed fish poses a significant concern. Fish in open nets escape in
small numbers during normal operations, meaning this issue happens on a regular basis.
Furthermore, fish escape in large numbers when nets are damaged, mostly due to storms or
predators. Escaped farmed fish, genetically different from wild fish inhabiting the adjacent
environment, pose a potential risk to the long-term health and fitness of native pollutions.
For example, escaped farmed Atlantic salmon have found breeding near aquaculture operations in British Columbia and South America. Escaped salmon participates in competition with native species, affecting their food supply, and predates those species. Farmed fish may also spread diseases to native fish, disrupting their ecosystem.
Addressing these environmental challenges regarding aquaculture is crucial to ensure it can
be a sustainable food supply. Responsible practices, such as effective waste management
systems and strong containment systems, are needed to minimise the negative impacts of
this vital industry.
Comments