Friday, 16 October 2015

What is aquaculture?

According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, “Aquaculture -- also known as fish or shellfish farming -- refers to the breeding, rearing, and harvesting of plants and animals in all types of water environments.”

Aquaculture takes place under controlled conditions and in a controlled environment therefore ensuring that there are no pollutants in the water and also regulates the nutrients which the organisms receive. These conditions allow harvesting of fish in moderation in order to maintain a supply that can continue to reproduce.


  • Freshwater aquaculture- the rearing of freshwater organisms, for example, tilapia and trout. This usually takes place in on-land tanks or ponds.

  • Marine aquaculture- This is the rearing of salt water organisms. Eg. tuna, shellfish and other salt water fishes.
                         >   Offshore aquaculture- fishes are kept in cages that are submersed in deep                 water or in shallow areas for shellfish and flat fishes.


Aquaculture Methods. Retrieved from GoodFishBadFish http://goodfishbadfish.com.au/?page_id=33

Aquaculture in France. Retrieved 15 October, 2015, from Flickr https://www.flickr.com/photos/julien-carnot/8576553550

                        >    On-land aquaculture- tanks are set up on land with a recirculating system.

Land-based salmon farm in the UAE. Retrieved 15 October, 2015 from http://www.intrafish.com/news/article1397390.ece


Aquaculture practices can either be:
  • Intensive- the cultivation of large amounts of fish which requires high quality feed and continuous maintenance.
  • Extensive- this involves less maintenance as food is sometimes obtained naturally and the organisms reared are usually in smaller amounts.


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