Aquaculture

Aquaculture, the farming of fresh or saltwater plants or animals, is a rapidly expanding industry, currently accounting for more than a quarter of global fish and seafood production.

The expansion and intensification of aquaculture has filled a significant gap in food production left by global declines in wild fish stocks. Today, aquaculture operations are highly diverse enterprises, cultivating hundreds of different fish, crustacean, and mollusc species. Aquaculture production can be land- or water-based, and range from small, community farms to large-scale export-oriented industries.

Aquaculture has produced jobs, income, and food security for millions of people. However, there are also several environmental concerns associated with fish farming practices. Aquaculture requires the use of water and land resources, often in short supply, leading to water shortages and the loss of natural habitats. Nutrient inputs used in aquaculture can lead to harmful algal blooms and associated oxygen depletion in nearby waters. The use of antibiotic drugs or chemicals can pollute water supplies for both other fish and humans. Farmed fish that escape may cause disease outbreaks in wild fish populations or compete with wild populations for resources, impacting regional biodiversity. Finally, aquaculture also contributes to the depletion of wild fish stocks when ocean fish are used as fishmeal.