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Aquaculture is the farming of water-based animals for the purpose of human consumption. The term aquaculture encompasses a variety of farming practices done in water environments. Some of the most important include mariculture, fish farming, algaculture, and integrated multi-trophic aquaculture. Aquaculture is a fairly recent phenomenon and has contributed to a decrease in fish prices worldwide since fish can be
cultivated without having to venture out into the ocean or other body of water and actually “fish” for them. Although environmental and health concerns about aquaculture’s impact on water ecosystems have been raised, the aquaculture industry is booming and is steadily becoming the primary source for fish and other marine food.
Mariculture is the cultivation of marine-based organisms that require salt water to survive in a controlled environment or farm. Mariculture can be practiced either in roped off sections of the ocean itself or in artificial ponds that are filled with salt water. Some of the more common animals that are bred in a mariculture environment are marine fish, shell fish, seaweed, pawns, and oysters. Non-edible products are also cultivated and extracted using mariculture practices. Cosmetics and pearls are examples of these.
Another form of aquaculture is fish farming. There are two important types of fish farms: extensive aquaculture and intensive aquaculture. Extensive aquaculture is more natural and is based on local photosynthetical production. Intensive aquaculture relies on an outside food supply to feed its fish. The most common types of fish bred in fish farms are carp, cod, catfish, trout, tilapia, and salmon.
Algaculture refers to the practice of growing algae in a controlled setting. Certain types of algae are edible for humans, an example being the wrap used on a roll of sushi. It is also used as an ingredient in a number of different foods including dairy products like ice cream and many different types of sauces. Algae also serve numerous other functions beside as a source of food. Oil extracted from algae can be used as an energy source. Research has been conducted to explore the use of algae in biofuels like biodiesel, bioethanol, and biobutonal. Under the right circumstances algae can also be used to produce hydrogen.
Integrated multi-trophic aquaculture is when byproducts from a certain species are used as fertilizer or food to benefit another crop. This system strives to increase sustainability within aquaculture environments. Integrated multi-trophic aquaculture also serves as method for diversification which in turn leads to more profit.
Over 30 percent of fish on the market is from aquaculture sources making fish farms an important resource for food supply. 70 percent of fish raised in captivity come from China, making aquaculture a vital industry in that country. As aquaculture production rises around the world, the importance of wild fisheries decreases. In the midst of this agricultural boom questions have been raised as to the impact aquaculture practices have on wild fish populations and other seafood. Salmon is one species of fish that is believed to be negatively impacted by aquaculture practices.
