Problems
In countries like the U.K, Canada, and Norway, salmon and trout farming are one of the fastest-growing forms of agriculture. As the number of these "fish farms" expands, adverse impacts to local aquatic environments increase from fish wastes, uneaten food, escapees, and use of chemicals to control disease. Impacts affecting the quality of wild fish, especially salmon, were noted (?). "Organic fish farming" is cited as one way of maintaining environmental and fish quality without losing the opportunities this form of farming offers (how?).
Other problems with aquaculture include the potential for increasing the spread of unwanted invasive species, as farmed species are often not native to the area in which they are farmed. When these species escape, they can compete with native species and damage ecosystems. Another problem is the spread of introduced parasites and pests.
See also: fishery
References
- Hepburn, J. 2002. Taking Aquaculture Seriously. Organic Farming, Winter 2002 © Soil Association.
- Naylor, R.L., S.L. Williams, and D.R. Strong. 2001. Aquaculture – A Gateway For Exotic Species. Science, 294: 1655-6.
External links
- Organic Aquaculture: Articles and references on the merits and otherwise of farming fish organically.
- Aquaculture Knowledge Environment: A searchable online library of government and United Nations documents covering nearly every aspect of aquaculture from pond construction to international codes of conduct.
Source | Copyright
