Global fish production has increased dramatically since 1950, and most of the increase has come from advances in aquaculture.
In 1–2 sentences, describe how aquaculture is practiced today in commercial fish farming.
In 1–2 sentences, explain why wild-catch fishing cannot meet seafood demand.
In 1–2 sentences, explain two negative effects of increased aquaculture.
In 1–2 sentences, identify one innovation in aquaculture and explain how it might mitigate a negative effect.
In commercial fish farming today, aquaculture is practiced by raising fish in controlled environments such as ponds, tanks, or cages, where the fish can be provided with optimum conditions for growth and survival.
Wild-catch fishing cannot meet seafood demand because wild fish populations are being overfished and depleted, making it increasingly unsustainable to rely solely on wild-caught fish.
Two negative effects of increased aquaculture are the potential for habitat degradation and pollution due to waste from fish farms, as well as the risk of introducing non-native species or increased disease transmission.
An innovation in aquaculture that could mitigate a negative effect is the use of integrated multi-trophic aquaculture (IMTA), which involves cultivating multiple species together to utilize the waste and reduce environmental impacts. For example, growing seaweed or filter-feeding shellfish in conjunction with fish farming can help absorb excess nutrients and improve water quality.