Land & Water Use

Open-net pens that allow for free exchange between farm and wild populations.

Enclosed tanks or pond systems that control which species are being cultivated.

Long-line cultivation methods prone to attracting and entangling wildlife.

Attractant-based feeding mechanisms that draw non-target animals into cultivation areas.

Dolphins

Sharks

Catfish

Whales

Increased frequency of harmful algal blooms.

Enhanced water filtration by bivalves.

Improved nitrogen fixation rates in marine sediments.

Greater carbon sequestration by aquatic plants.

Since herbivorous diets consist mainly of plants, they produce less waste, contributing to eutrophication problems associated with intensive rearing.

Lower trophic levels require fewer resources to convert into biomass, thus utilizing less energy than higher levels.

Herbivores typically have a smaller size, meaning a greater number of individuals are needed to achieve the same amount of production, which results in greater resource consumption.

Being primary consumers, herbivorous fish possess unique digestive systems that allow them to efficiently process cellulose, making them a sustainable option in terms of feed conversion ratios.

Offshore operations are prohibitively expensive, therefore less common, leading to fewer instances of eutrophication.

Nearshore operations are typically subject to more restrictive regulations preventing eutrophication.

The deeper waters used in offshore aquaculture negate the need for feed, leading to reduced nutrient input.

Offshore waters generally have better dilution capabilities due to natural currents and larger volumes of water.

Aquaculture promotes the use of antibiotics to prevent disease

With all the fish in close proximity, it is easy to transfer a disease from fish to fish

Aquaculture encourages the isolation of fish to prevent disease transmission

Aquaculture reduces the risk of disease transmission among fish

Open-water net pens or cages

Recirculating aquaculture systems (RAS)

Pond systems using polyculture techniques

Flow-through raceways with controlled discharge

They require large amounts of freshwater input.

They can lead to increased nutrient pollution in surrounding waters.

They promote genetic diversity among wild fish populations.

They eliminate the need for feed inputs from wild fish stocks.

Focusing solely on maximizing yield per hectare without considering interspecies relationships.

Mimicking natural trophic interactions within an artificial setting reduces external inputs like feed and energy.

Cropping patterns synchronized with seasonal changes but neglect ecosystem services integral for balance.

Incorporating genetically modified organisms without assessing long-term effects on ecosystems stability.

Using vaccines designed specifically for certain types of fish.

Overcrowding pens to reduce stress levels among fish.

Releasing untreated wastewater into nearby ecosystems.

Withdrawing all food sources to weaken potential pathogens.