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rom carp to salmon: What are the world's most popular farmed fish
Fish farming, or fish culture, is the commercial breeding of large numbers of fish in tanks or artificial enclosures, usually for food. It is a specific type of aquaculture that involves the controlled cultivation and harvesting of aquatic animals (such as fish, crustaceans, molluscs, etc.) in a natural or quasi-natural environment. The release of juvenile fish into the wild for recreational fishing or to replenish natural populations of certain species is often called a fish hatchery.
Globally, the most important farmed fish are carp, sea bass, salmon and tilapia. As demand for fish protein increases, coastal fisheries are threatened by overfishing, which has led to significant declines in fish stocks in some areas. Fish farming can create artificial fish communities that are protected from natural predators and provide adequate feeding, access to veterinary services and easier harvesting.
Increase in global demand for fish protein has led to overexploitation of capture fisheries, which has further fueled the development of fish farming.
According to the report, China accounts for 62% of the world's farmed fish production. As of 2016, more than 50% of seafood is provided by aquaculture. Aquaculture has been the main driver of growth in fisheries production over the past three decades, with an average annual growth rate of 5.3% from 2000 to 2018, reaching an all-time high of 82 million tonnes in 2018.
Main Varieties
There are two main types of fish farming: extended (natural farming in water) and intensive (based on feeding feed). Extended aquaculture involves relatively little management of the fish, often selecting species that are tolerant, such as carp and salmon. This form takes place in oceans, lakes and rivers and depends on natural water quality.
Extended aquaculture, while basic, is still challenged by the quality of the surrounding water, so the survival and growth rate of the fish are limited.
Compared with intensive farming, intensive farming can arbitrarily increase the fish production per unit area while maintaining adequate oxygen, fresh water and feed supply. This system requires the installation of water purification facilities to ensure that harmful substances remaining in the water do not affect the health of fish. However, this method of feeding is also more expensive, especially since it requires a feed with a higher protein content.
Fish Farming Systems
The diversity of fish farming systems means that each has unique advantages and applications. Cage systems involve raising fish in large cages in lakes, rivers or oceans, a method known as "sea farming." The open cage system, which raises fish in large foam cages in natural waters, is a less expensive method but has been questioned for its negative impact on the environment.
Open cage systems are susceptible to the spread of fertilizers, parasites and waste due to water flow, posing a challenge to the natural environment.
In Ecuador, the proportion of aquaculture among women and farmers has also increased, with data showing that in 2022, 24% of fishermen and fish farmers were women, showing that the aquaculture industry is becoming an increasingly female-dominated field.
Environmental impacts and challenges
Whether it is expanded or intensive farming, environmental issues are one of the major challenges currently facing aquaculture. In extended aquaculture, problems such as the destruction of natural habitats and the reduction of water quality are becoming increasingly prominent. Intensive farming, even if it can provide higher yields, often leads to disease outbreaks due to overcrowding, which poses a threat to the health of fish.
In addition, the development of fish farming must pay more attention to its impact on the environment and seek sustainable development paths. This requires a combination of new technologies to enhance environmental management and production efficiency, such as the use of copper alloy mesh to reduce biological adhesion on nets and reduce disease transmission.
The sustainable development of aquaculture faces challenges, and farmers must continue to explore more sustainable production methods to ensure a balance between the environment and production.
In summary, from carp to salmon, the trend of aquaculture undoubtedly accumulates high demand and high challenges around the world. But can we find a way to provide clean fish while protecting our waters and ecosystems?
