As
aquaculture continues to become more recognized and adopted by many countries,
people also debate if the risks will outweigh the benefits of this practice. These
concerns are currently being assessed by aquaculturists who are working on new
innovative ways to reduce the negative impacts that aquaculture farming may pose.
An example of this includes the creation and experimentation of a new system by
scientists from the University of Maryland’s Department of Marine Biotechnology,
which produces no waste and operates fully on land. The closed system recycles
water and filters the waste products through microbial communities creating
biofuel in the process. Adjustments and improvements are still being conducted
on the system but this brings a sense of hope for aquaculture development in
the future. If more resources are invested into testing and improving the
technology used on aquaculture farms, then safer and risk free methods can be
developed. Implementing the use of aquaculture farms and reducing the amount of
fishing activities in the oceans can help to conserve species and protect the
biodiversity of the aquatic ecosystem.
