Importance of Aquaculture

Health Benefit
All over the world, the demand for seafood has increased because people have learned that seafoods s part of regular diets are healthier and help fight cardiovascular disease, cancer, alzheimer’s and many other major illnesses.

Aquaculture is currently estimated to account for approximately 13 percent (10.2 million t) of world fish production.

Aquaculture will add to wild seafood, and make it cheaper and accessible to all, especially in regions where there depend on imported seafood products.

Economic Benefits
Fish farms in regions without significant water bodies will provide additional job opportunities, as people will be involved in the entire business chain — researchers, breeders, fish food manufacturers, equipment manufacturers, marinas, storage facilities, processors, transportation and marketing companies as well as restaurants. Regions with poor soils and farming lands can also engage in aquaculture as a form of agriculture.

More than 100 million people — from farmers to fish processors and retailers—rely on the aquaculture industry for their livelihoods

Aquaculture business provides tax and royalty revenue to local governments. There is also potential revenue from exports.

Environmental Benefits
There are real advancements in all types of aquaculture systems. Especially for offshore systems, there are bio-security systems, cameras and surveillance infrastructure, as well as trained inspectors who ensure that farms are complying by environmentally safe practices. This helps to reduce diseases transfer in the waters and so on.

Capture overfishing has been a major environmental issue. Aquaculture helps to reduce the reliance and impact on wild stock. The use of unsustainable fishing methods such as bottom trawlers is also reduced.

Aquaculture systems often take advantage of harvested runoffs, storm water and surface water. This reduces the need to depend on other sources of water supply. In addition to this, ponds maintain soil moisture in their vicinity thereby conserving natural resources.