Syllabus Edition

First teaching 2024

First exams 2026

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Aquaculture (DP IB Environmental Systems & Societies (ESS))

Revision Note

Aquaculture

What is aquaculture?

  • Aquaculture, also known as fish farming or aquafarming, refers to the cultivation of aquatic organisms in controlled environments such as ponds, tanks, or ocean enclosures

  • It involves the rearing, breeding, and harvesting of various species of fish, shellfish, algae and other aquatic organisms for commercial, recreational, or conservation purposes

  • Aquatic flora and fauna, both freshwater and marine, are harvested by humans through various methods to meet different needs and purposes

Fish farming nets floating on a calm lake with reflective water, surrounded by mountainous terrain under a cloudy sky in the background.
Fish farming is one example of aquaculture (photo by Lucut Razvan on Unsplash)
  • Aquatic organisms that are farmed include:

    • Fish

      • e.g. salmon, tilapia and catfish

    • Molluscs

      • e.g. oysters, mussels, scallops and clams

      • e.g. snails

      • e.g. octopus and squid

    • Crustaceans

      • e.g. shrimp, prawns, lobsters and crabs

    • Aquatic plants

      • E.g. seaweed and algae

The growth of aquaculture

Graph showing fish consumption from capture fisheries and aquaculture from 1960 to 2050. Aquaculture is projected to grow, increasing its global fish consumption proportion.
The growth of global aquaculture
  • Aquaculture has experienced significant growth to meet the increasing global demand for seafood

    • This is driven by population growth, changing dietary preferences and rising incomes

  • Aquaculture has the potential to provide a reliable and sustainable source of seafood

    • This can help to meet the protein needs of a growing population

    • At the same time, minimise the impact on wild fish stocks

  • By cultivating aquatic organisms through aquaculture, the pressure on wild fish populations can be reduced

    • This allows them to recover and the ecological balance of these marine ecosystems to be restored

   1. Providing additional food resources:

  • Aquaculture contributes to global food security by providing an additional source of nutritious food resources

  • Cultivating fish and shellfish through aquaculture offers a consistent supply of protein-rich seafood

    • This can help address nutritional deficiencies and improve human health in many parts of the world

  • The controlled environments of aquaculture systems allow for efficient production and reduced waste

   2. Supporting economic development:

  • Aquaculture has emerged as a significant sector in the global economy

    • It generates employment opportunities, income and economic growth

  • It provides livelihoods for millions of people, particularly in coastal and rural communities, where fishing and aquaculture activities are integral to the local economy

  • Aquaculture encourages trade and investments, contributing to the overall development and prosperity of regions and whole countries

Food for future generations

Photograph of a shrimp hatchery
A shrimp hatchery attempts to provide a sustainable source of seafood (Image from NOAA: public domain, via Wikimedia Commons)
  • The growth of aquaculture is expected to continue in the coming years due to several factors:

    • Rising global demand for seafood: the growing population, urbanisation and changing dietary preferences drive the need for increased seafood production

    • Technological advancements: ongoing research and technological developments in aquaculture practices, breeding techniques, feed formulations and disease management are enhancing production efficiency and sustainability

    • Environmental considerations: aquaculture is evolving towards more environmentally friendly and sustainable practices, addressing concerns such as waste management and habitat impacts

    • Innovation and diversification: the development of new species for aquaculture, such as high-value fish and seaweed, opens up opportunities for market expansion

    • Policy support: governments and international organisations are promoting and investing in aquaculture development to address food security, reduce pressure on wild fish stocks and support economic growth

Aquaculture Issues

  • Issues caused by aquaculture include:

    • Habitat loss

    • Pollution (with feed, antifouling agents, antibiotics and other medicines added to fish pens)

    • Spread of diseases

    • Escaped species (sometimes involving genetically modified organisms)

    • Ethical Issues and biorights

Issues in Aquaculture

Issue

Description

Habitat loss

Aquaculture facilities often require the conversion of natural habitats such as wetlands, mangroves, or coastal areas into fish farms

These habitats are cleared or modified to create suitable spaces for aquaculture operations

This habitat loss can have negative impacts on biodiversity, ecosystem functions and the livelihood of local communities

Pollution

Excess nutrients from uneaten feed and fish waste can leach into the surrounding water bodies, leading to eutrophication, algal blooms and oxygen depletion

Some feed formulations may contain additives, such as growth enhancers or colourants, that can potentially negatively impact water quality

Powerful chemicals known as antifouling agents are used to prevent the growth of marine organisms (e.g. mussels and barnacles) on aquaculture infrastructure

These biocides can leach into the surrounding water, potentially causing harm to marine life

To prevent and treat diseases, aquaculture operations may use antibiotics and other medicines, which can enter the surrounding waters, posing risks to aquatic organisms and contributing to antibiotic resistance

Spread of diseases

The high density of fish in aquaculture facilities facilitates the spread of diseases among farmed fish

This leads to increased disease risks and the need for disease management strategies

If proper biosecurity measures are not in place, pathogens can also spread from aquaculture facilities to wild fish populations, impacting their health and survival

Escaped species

Escape of farmed fish from aquaculture facilities can lead to genetic interactions with wild populations

This impacts wild species through competition, interbreeding, or transmission of genetic diseases

Some aquaculture operations involve the use of genetically modified fish

This raises concerns about potential ecological impacts and ethical considerations if these fish breed with wild populations

Ethical Issues and biorights

Aquaculture raises ethical questions regarding the treatment and welfare of farmed animals, particularly in intensive farming systems

Concerns centre around the confinement and stress experienced by farmed species, the use of antibiotics and growth enhancers, and the overall quality of life for the animals

  • In addition, issues in aquaculture can often arise regarding international conservation legislation

    • Aquaculture must comply with international conservation legislation and regulations to ensure the sustainable use of resources and to protect biodiversity

    • Compliance with these regulations helps prevent the exploitation of threatened species, maintain ecological balance and ensure the long-term viability of aquaculture practices

  • Balancing environmental sustainability, animal welfare and legal obligations is crucial to maintaining an equitable and socially responsible aquaculture sector

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Alistair Marjot

Author: Alistair Marjot

Expertise: Biology & Environmental Systems and Societies

Alistair graduated from Oxford University with a degree in Biological Sciences. He has taught GCSE/IGCSE Biology, as well as Biology and Environmental Systems & Societies for the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme. While teaching in Oxford, Alistair completed his MA Education as Head of Department for Environmental Systems & Societies. Alistair has continued to pursue his interests in ecology and environmental science, recently gaining an MSc in Wildlife Biology & Conservation with Edinburgh Napier University.

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