The growth of fed aquaculture (including carnivorous and herbivorous species) has consistently outpaced that of non-fed species (such as mussels and oysters) in recent decades. With the growth of carnivorous species – such as sea bream, salmon, or seabass dependent on protein – comes an increase in the need for fish feed, small forage fish such as anchoveta, mackerel, herring, whiting and sardines that live in the pelagic zone of oceans or lakes and play a vital role in ecosystems as prey of larger animals.
More sustainable/responsible forms of aquaculture are centered on the concept of “extractive aquaculture” - or, farming species that take nutrients that already exist in the water. Seaweed and shellfish are examples of species that require no supplemental feed in order to grow. In fact, because these organisms filter the surrounding water, their presence actually leads to a healthier ecosystem…
For more on extractive aquaculture methods, see Restorative Aquaculture.
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