Originating in China approximately 4,000 years ago, aquaculture is a broad term referring to the breeding, rearing, and harvesting of aquatic organisms, such as fish, shellfish, and seaweed, in controlled environments for food, restoration, or commercial purposes.
Aquaculture can be based in freshwater or saltwater. Saltwater aquaculture, also known as mariculture, occurs in oceans and estuaries. Freshwater aquaculture occurs in natural freshwater systems, such as ponds, or in manufactured land-based structures. However, there are many different types of aquaculture, both in terms of farming location and method, as well as the types of seafood farmed.
How is aquaculture different from fisheries? Fisheries refers to the harvesting of wild fish, whether it be commercial, recreational, industrial, or subsistence farming. More fish are produced from aquaculture than from fisheries. In fact, aquaculture practices are estimated to provide over half of the seafood consumed around the world. China is a leading producer of farmed seafood, producing about 60% of the world’s supply.
in Aquaculture 101
