Despite criticism from environmentalists, the aquaculture industry continues to grow due to increasing demand for seafood globally. Aquaculture involves the practice of cultivating fish, shellfish, and aquatic plants in controlled environments such as ponds, tanks, or ocean cages. According to research from the United Nations, the global production of fish from aquaculture reached approximately 114 million tonnes in 2018, providing nearly half of all fish consumed by humans worldwide. While some environmental concerns include contamination, pollution, destruction of habitat, and genetic alterations, the industry is working to improve its sustainability and minimize its impact on the environment through practices such as recirculating systems and integrated multi-trophic aquaculture.
Aquaculture Industry Continues to Grow Despite Criticism from Environmentalists
Aquaculture, commonly known as fish farming, is the practice of cultivating fish, shellfish, and aquatic plants in controlled environments such as ponds, tanks, or ocean cages. Over the years, this industry has grown considerably due to the ever-increasing demand for seafood in the global market. However, as the industry continues to grow, so does the criticism from environmentalists who argue that aquaculture has many negative consequences on the environment. Despite these criticisms, the growth of the aquaculture industry continues to rise.
The growth of the Aquaculture Industry
According to research done by the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the United Nations, the global production of fish from aquaculture reached approximately 114 million tonnes in 2018, marking an increase of 5.8% from the previous year. This means that the aquaculture industry is now providing nearly half of all fish consumed by humans worldwide. The research also shows that the Asia-Pacific region produces the most farmed fish, with China alone contributing 62% of all farmed fish in the world.
Aquaculture Industry Benefits
The growth of the aquaculture industry is attributed to many factors, including the increasing demand for seafood, the global population growth, and the declining wild fish populations. Fish farming can be done in almost any place with a water supply, which makes it easy to establish in many parts of the world. Additionally, aquaculture creates job opportunities and contributes immensely to the economy of countries such as Norway, Chile, and Vietnam, all of which are major players in the fish farming industry.
Criticism of the Aquaculture Industry
Despite the numerous benefits that the aquaculture industry provides, it has attracted criticism globally for its effects on the environment. Some of these include;
1. Contamination: In some cases, farmed fish can be contaminated with chemicals and antibiotics used to control diseases and parasites. These can then contaminate wild fish populations.
2. Pollution: Fish farming can release waste into the environment, creating local pollution problems.
3. Destruction of habitat: The construction and placement of aquaculture facilities can destroy natural habitats, leading to the disruption of marine ecosystems.
4. Genetic alterations: Farmed fish can interbreed with wild fish, leading to genetic homogenization and loss of genetic diversity.
Despite these environmental concerns, the aquaculture industry continues to grow, with efforts to improve its sustainability and reduce its impact on the environment.
Sustainability of the Aquaculture Industry
Sustainable aquaculture involves the use of environmentally friendly practices that ensure the industry’s long-term viability while minimizing its impact on the environment. Through sustainability measures such as the use of recirculating systems, which recycles water and uses it repeatedly, the industry can reduce water usage and pollution. Additionally, the use of integrated multi-trophic aquaculture, which involves the cultivation of multiple aquatic species in the same area, can help to keep the waters clean and reduce waste. These sustainability measures show that the industry is not oblivious to the environmental concerns and is working to address them.
FAQ
1. What is aquaculture?
Aquaculture is the practice of cultivating fish, shellfish, and aquatic plants, clothingly known as fish farming, in controlled environments such as ponds, tanks, or ocean cages.
2. Is the aquaculture industry environmentally friendly?
The aquaculture industry is not entirely environmentally friendly, as it has some negative impacts on the environment. However, it is making efforts to promote sustainability and minimize its impact on the environment.
3. What are some of the environmental concerns of aquaculture?
Some of the environmental concerns of aquaculture include contamination, pollution, destruction of habitat, and genetic alterations.
4. What is sustainable aquaculture?
Sustainable aquaculture involves the use of environmentally friendly practices that ensure the industry’s long-term viability while minimizing its impact on the environment.
5. What are some sustainability measures in aquaculture?
Sustainability measures in aquaculture include the use of recirculating systems, integrated multi-trophic aquaculture, and other environmentally friendly practices.
