Aquaculture

The term aquaculture generally refers to the keeping and harvesting of plants and animals in any type of water environment, including natural and built environments. However, the term is typically used in reference to the raising of marine and freshwater  fish species, also known as fish farming. This is the fastest-growing form of food production, providing people around the world with an important source of protein and other nutrients. A variety of aquaculture techniques are used to raise freshwater and marine species, including pond culture, cage culture, raceway culture, recirculating aquaculture systems (RAS) and integrated fish farming. Although fish farming is often associated with environmentally harmful practices—particularly with regard to waste disposal—it has unique potential to be a sustainable method of food production, especially as new technologies arise and more people recognize the importance of environmentally responsible aquaculture.