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Aquaculture is an industry that encompasses the cultivation of aquatic plants and animals in controlled systems for commercial, recreation or resource management purposes. The most widely accepted short definition of Aquaculture is the cultivation of any aquatic (freshwater and marine) species of plant or animal.

Aquaculture for food production is similar to other forms of animal husbandry, the animals are cared for, protected and fed with the intention of increasing their quantity and value. The holding and farming of fish also reduces the effort otherwise required to locate and capture supplies from wild stocks. Fish farming has boosted consumer confidence in product quality while helping to ensure more orderly and timely harvesting / distribution of fresh seafood products.

Why farm fish?

The need to solve planetary over fishing of wild fish stocks represents the inherit requirement for aqua farming. Our ability to feed ourselves remains an issue of paramount importance. In simple terms we must find a way to make more from what we have. One way to do that is to increase the resource performance and enhance supplies. Farming helps to bridge that gap.

Fish Farming is a versatile and flexible industry encompassing a wide range of methods designed to meet various needs and to fulfill different purposes. Hatchery production of young fish to restock lakes, streams and oceans is a form of aquaculture that has provided immense benefits by enhancing wild fish populations. Subsistence aqua farming of fish and aquatic plants has provided nourishment in many impoverished regions, while commercial level fish farming has augmented wild supplies and reduced fishing pressures.

This flexibility of aquaculture can be seen when we look closely at it's make up. We can quickly realize that fish farming is carried out at various scales or levels of activity; ranging in size from a hobby farm pond for personal or community use, to a large commercial venture where production is measured in tonnes. Regardless of the scale, we should also understand that all levels of practice includes some form of intervention in the rearing or growing process.

That intervention has to involve human input intended to enhance animal production in the form of regular stocking, feeding, environmental management and protection from predators and/or disease. All of which are fundamental principals of aqua farming.

There are many "wild fish stocks" that are residents of our streams and rivers today, that owe their continual existence to the fundamental practice of aquaculture. The same fundamental practices of enhancing and encouraging existing fish stocks that began ages ago.

History of Aquaculture

Aquaculture is not a new industry, nor is it an untested concept. The care and farming of fish is rooted in ancient history. The earliest records of fish farming are from Asia (China) where the practice was used often, perhaps as far back as 2500 BC. This early farming activity involved capturing fish, mainly carps, after river floods and holding them in artificial lakes and ponds. Using a form of polyculture, the fish were fed using the nymphs and byproducts of silkworm farming.

This ancient Chinese practice was a simple yet ingenious form of sustainable farming, designed to increase food supplies while diminishing the environmental effects of another farm activity. The value of the animals were increased and accomplished by utilizing by-products that would "today" often be considered waste in much of the western world. Is it "a wonder" that some 80% of the world's fish farming activities still take place in Asia?

The Bible refers to fish ponds and sluices (Isaiah, Chapter 19, verse 10), and Hieroglyphics illustrate that the Egyptians of the Middle Kingdom (2052-1786 B.C.) developed ornamental fish ponds and attempted intensive fish culturing. Research indicates that the Roman's were quite adept in raising fish in ponds and also cultivated oysters. The Hawaiian people practiced aquaculture by constructing fish ponds, an example from ancient Hawaii is a pond at Alekoko dating back at least 1000 years.

It is obvious that aquaculture has an historic and proven background. It was created and developed from the combined works and trials of many civilizations. Yet it's present contribution to the overall health of our food supplies is often misunderstood. Some of this misunderstanding and confusion may in part be attributed to it's recent rapid growth combined with a failure to provide meaningful communication of facts, explanations and documentation. In some instances, public perception of it's true overall value was further clouded by inappropriate decisions made at inappropriate times. Next Page

Related Articles In This Series: Aquaculture Today - Status and Statistics | Aquaculture Fish Species | Aquaculture the Sustainable Alternative for Seafood | Aquaculture Farm Design with Water Recirculation

The following is a list of topic pages contained on this website. Many of our articles deal with with the Canadian and United States aquaculture industries and cover many topics and aspects of commercial and small scale aqua farming. Use these links to read about the benefits of aquaculture, find a guide for starting fish farm business, research aquaponics and other alternatives, or learn more about fisheries and seafood.

• Aquaculture Books - Whether you work directly in the aquaculture field, the research end of things, animal nutrition, farm for a hobby or are just keeping your feet wet, you should be able to locate a book here that meets your needs. Find the Aquaculture Books You Need
  
  
• Aquaculture Information Series - Articles on the history, benefits and future potential of the aquafarming industry and how it relates to both the fisheries and agriculture sectors. Inland aquaculture
  
  
• Aquaculture Explained - This alternative aquaculture technology is a gardening method that is considered by many to be the future of organic farming. Aquaponics can be used in growing your own food, small scale aquaculture or in commercial business. Aquaponics Information
  
  
• Land Based Aqua Farm Technologies - Decriptions of water recirculation aquaculture systems (RAS). An advanced stage operating system used in eco-friendly aquaculture centers to achieve sustainable low impact production. Modern aquaculture
  
  
• Small Scale Fish Farming - Many small scale farmers today, incorporate aqua farming practices that produce diversified crops and make efficient use of land and resources with a minimal potential for adverse impacts. Hobby Farming
  
  
• Arctic Char Farming - The Arctic Char is a highly sought after salmonid fish with high market appeal that can be raised in freshwater aquaculture farms. There is a strong desire among reputable seafood buyers to have consistent supplies of quality Arctic Char, yet aquaculture farms that produce commercial quanities of charr are still few. Arctic Char Aquaculture
  
  
• Aquaculture Today - In more recent times the industry has experienced a level of growth that surpasses that of any agri-food industry on record. The current boom in the industry began in the 1960's when the malignant declines in wild fish stocks first became noticeable. Learn More
  
  
• Seafood and Healthy Eating - Fish is an important part of a balanced diet, it is full of vitamins, and other nutrients, including essential fatty acids. Learn More about the benefits of eating fish.
  
  
• How to Pick A Fish - There are plenty of fish, some better than others. This article provides information on how to select fresh fish and seafood. Learn about Fish Qaulity
  
  
• Seafood and Cooking - Recipes to make the best seafood dishes from the top quality fish and seafood that the aquaculture and fishery industries have to offer. Recipe Library