Aquaculture

Global capture fisheries and aquaculture production, 1990-2030

World aquaculture production of food fish and aquatic plants, 1990-2016

Aquaculture production (2019)

World capture fisheries and aquaculture production by main producers (2018)

2019-03-16 01 Aquaculture in Chile

Aquaculture, also known as aquafarming, is the controlled cultivation of aquatic organisms such as fish, crustaceans, mollusks, and aquatic plants. This practice is a key component of modern agriculture and plays a crucial role in ensuring food security, generating employment, and contributing to economic growth in various regions around the world. Aquaculture can be conducted in freshwater, marine, and brackish water environments, utilizing a range of methods that can be tailored to the specific requirements of the species being farmed.

History

The history of aquaculture dates back thousands of years, with early practices recorded in ancient civilizations such as China and Egypt. These early forms of aquaculture primarily involved the farming of freshwater species in ponds and canals. Over the centuries, the practice has evolved and expanded, incorporating a variety of species and techniques.

Types of Aquaculture

Aquaculture can be classified into several types based on the environment and method of cultivation. These include:

• Marine aquaculture: This involves the cultivation of species that live in the ocean, including fish like salmon and halibut, and shellfish like oysters and mussels.
• Freshwater aquaculture: This focuses on species that thrive in rivers, lakes, and ponds, such as trout and catfish.
• Brackish water aquaculture: This combines salt and fresh water to raise species such as shrimp and certain types of fish.
• Integrated multi-trophic aquaculture (IMTA): This is a more sustainable approach that involves farming different species together in a way that allows one species to benefit from the waste of another.

Benefits and Challenges

Aquaculture offers numerous benefits, including the provision of a reliable source of protein, the creation of job opportunities, and the reduction of pressure on wild fish stocks. However, it also faces several challenges:

• Environmental impact: Issues such as water pollution, habitat destruction, and the use of chemicals and antibiotics can arise from aquaculture practices.
• Disease management: The high density of organisms in aquaculture systems can lead to the rapid spread of diseases.
• Genetic issues: The escape of farmed species into the wild can lead to genetic pollution of native species.

Sustainability

Sustainable aquaculture practices are crucial for minimizing environmental impact and ensuring the long-term viability of aquaculture operations. These practices include the development of more efficient feed, improvements in disease management, and the adoption of IMTA systems.

Future of Aquaculture

The future of aquaculture lies in innovation and sustainability. Advances in technology, such as recirculating aquaculture systems (RAS), are making it possible to farm aquatic species more efficiently and with less environmental impact. There is also a growing focus on the cultivation of alternative species and the development of genetically improved strains that require fewer resources.

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