Aquaculture
Effects in our ecosystem
What is Aquaculture?
Aquaculture is the farming of aquatic organisms such as fish, shellfish and even plants. The term aquaculture refers to the cultivation of both marine and freshwater species and can range from land-based to open-ocean production.
What it does
Aquaculture is the reproduction and growth of aquatic organisms in a controlled or semi-controlled environment. Debates on whether or not aquaculture is safe for the environment are currently being discussed. Effects on the environment based on aquaculture can be both good and bad. Some examples are listed below.
Why we need Aquaculture
Our oceans contain most of Earth’s biodiversity, yet only a tiny fraction of it, as of now, is protected. Over fishing, pollution and climate change are already starting to degrade the places in our oceans that are now healthy and teeming with life. Protecting these places before it is too late is absolutely critical. Just as national parks conserve our lands, marine reserves can help ensure ocean health for generations to come.
Pros and Cons
Pro
Can feed the US population
Con
Threatens life of fisherman. If all the fish are being taken to aquapods, there won't be many left to fish.
Pro
Can create jobs in a community
Aquapods
An Aquapod is a sphere or "cage" like structure that captures fish. The fish are then raised to be later sold to markets or released into another ecosystem. Aquapods must be clean and well taken care of to be a good living factor for the fish. Aquapods can help us by returning the same amount of organisms we took out of bodies of water.
Aquaculture
Aquaculture originated in Japan 4000 years ago. They raised mostly koi and talapia in these early times. But now fish from all over the world are being used in aquaculture. Aquaculture has helped the world by bringing in almost half of the seafood. By the year 2030, aquaculture is estimated to grow by 50%. This has provided food for our population. Although it may help us sometimes it can be bad for us. Toxic chemicals may be in some of the water which decreases the amount of organisms/fish that can be sold or raised.
Website: google.com
Location: Japan
Video
This video describes the process of the water purification step in the aquaculture process.
Thanks for watching!!
Aquaculture Prawn Farming: Water Purification Process (Infographic)