Aquaculture Methods

Whether in saltwater, brackish water, freshwater, or on land, each environment presents different opportunities and considerations. Saltwater aquaculture, also known as mariculture, occurs in oceans and estuaries. Freshwater aquaculture occurs in natural freshwater systems, such as ponds, or manufactured land-based structures. 

Within these settings, there are different systems implemented depending on the species farmed.  These systems may be high-risk or low-risk, based on the inputs required to maintain them and the impacts they have on the greater environment. For example, offshore open-net pens, which are typical for carnivorous finfish, are considered high-risk.  These intensive systems often pollute surrounding areas, cause habitat damage, lead to stock escapes, or entangle native wildlife.

In contrast, low-risk systems reduce or eliminate these issues.  For instance, closed systems, such as raceways and recirculation systems, cause minimal, if any, environmental damage and do not risk stock escapes.  Suspended ocean systems used for bivalves are extensive because they require few interventions–little infrastructure, no feed–and even filter the surrounding water, making them potentially restorative systems.

For more on various methods of aquaculture, read Explore: Aquaculture Systems.