China, Norway, India, Vietnam, Bangladesh, and Egypt are some of the top producers in the aquaculture industry, with China as the lead nation.
Today we dwell on the practice and significance of aquaculture around the world. Sail through and enjoy.
Culture fisheries encompass growing a selected organism, or, in some cases, several selected organisms, in a controlled environment, where the sole purpose of the organisms is to be harvested and then sold commercially upon maturity.
Aquaculture, commonly referred to as fish farming, is categorised into two:
- Marine aquaculture
Situated in or closer to natural aquatic water sources; a river or an ocean.
Trays, pens and enclosures are commonly used. - Inland aquaculture
Situated anywhere depending on the location of a farm.
Ponds, tanks and enclosures are often used.
What does aquaculture entail?
Food security
Fish farming has resulted in a constant supply of consumed aquatic species, such as mollusks (snails, clams, squids and octopodes) and fish (tilapia, horse mackerel, tuna and salmon).
Different fishing seasons are compensated for by these aquaculture farms around the world. Despite fish being consumed in small quantities, it constitutes of essential proteins and micronutrients (zinc, iron, magnesium, phosphorus and calcium) which are required by the human body.
Moreover, fish also contain fatty acids which are essential for the development of the brain and body in the diets of babies and growing children (WorldFish Center, 2005).
Employment creation
Aquaculture farms are a rapidly growing enterprise hence, they favor employment creation for people. Women are dominant, especially in making and preparing nets, as well as in setting up baiting hooks etc.
Further processing of aquaculture into canned, dried, smoked products and so on is practiced on a large scale.
Sustainable livelihood through employment creation
Improvement of livelihood for people that work in both small or large scale aquacultures, which has been shown to reduce crime and theft among youth in the world. Even with the little income earned, one can be able to provide for themselves and their family. Moreover, team work is enhanced through working together on these fish farms.
Trade
When a nation is self sufficient it is able to export excess produce to other countries. Hence, trading in aquaculture produce is common and yields an advantage of foreign currency that can be earned, as well as availing scarcely or competely absent fish to other countries.
In summary, aquacultures are a vital component which enables a constant supply of protein and micronutrients in humans all year round. Employment creation leads to self enrichment which is achieved through the growth of fish farms.
References
http://pubs.iclarm.net/resource_centre/WF_2546.pdf
https://www.cetmar.org/DOCUMENTACION/dyp/At_Crossroads.pdf
WorldFish Center. 2005. Fish and Food Security in Africa. World Fish Center, Penang, Malaysia.Discover the Suite of Apps for Livestock Management
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