Land & Water Use

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.

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.

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

Ponds

Glaciers

Waterfalls

Geysers

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.

Increased transmission of pathogens among aquatic organisms

Enhanced individual growth rates due to social behavior

Greater genetic diversity within the farmed population

Improved efficiency in feed usage per unit of biomass produced

They can reduce the population of wild fish

They can change the genetics of the wild fish and decrease their biodiversity

They can increase the biodiversity of wild fish populations

They can promote the conservation of endangered fish species

The genetic diversity within wild tuna populations is expected to increase due to crossbreeding.

Overfishing of lower trophic level organisms used for feed may destabilize food webs.

Tuna farming would significantly reduce pressure on wild populations enhancing their recovery.

An increase in predator populations as more high trophic level habitat becomes available.

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.