By definition, aquaculture, also called aquafarming, is "the science, art, and business of cultivating marine or freshwater food fish or shellfish, such as oysters, clams, salmon, and trout, under controlled conditions."
Aquaculture is much more than just raising a few fish or growing some tomatoes in water. There are many components in the business of aquafarming. To help you have a better understanding of the various possibilities available within aquaculture, let's explore the many facets of this all natural way of farming.
Of course, fish production is the most well known part of aquaculture. Farmers can raise many types of food fish under controlled conditions and provide totally organically grown fish for consumer consumption. Some of the most popular fish farmed in Tennessee are tilapia, striped bass, catfish, fresh water prawns and crawfish. In addition to food fish, ornamental or pet fish is another aspect of fish farming. The hobby of raising koi has catapulted in the United States as the popularity of water gardening has exploded in the past few years. Koi have become big business in America, as more and more people have built ponds, both formal and natural. Thousands of households now have koi ponds right in their own backyards.
However, even though the production of fish is the most widely known aspect of aquaculture, there are many other building blocks involved in the total concept. One of these blocks is Integrated Multi-Trophic Aquaculture(IMTA). This is the process of recycling the waste produced by the fish and using it as a food form for other species and also for use as fertilizer.
Yet another aspect of aquaculture is, algaculture, which is the farming of species of algea. Many types of algea, including seaweed, are used both commercially and industrially. There can be many uses of farmed algea, including research currently being conducted at Utah State University wherein scientists are working on a cost-competive manner of converting algea into biodiesel.
Lastly, hydroponics is another form of aquaculture. This is the growing of plants in water. Virtually all types of plants have the ability to grow in water without the use of soil. In comparision to traditional farming where there are huge expenses for farm equipment, fuel and a need for a vast amount of farmland, hydroponics allows for plants to be grown in water. Hydroponics is a completely natural, orgainic means of producing food for consumers. It requires less space than traditional farming, less growing time, saves money by recycling nutrients, greatly reduces labor and maintence, pest, weed and disease problems are easily managed, produces a higher yield and best of all, contributes to water conservaton.
There are many aspects to aquaculture. More than ever before, it is important for each of us to do our part to help conserve energy, protect our natural resources, and try to find alternatives for food production that are ecologically friendly. Aquaculture accomplishes all of these goals, and more.