Achievement of sustainable aquaculture through environmental management

Abstract

The global catch fishery has been exploited to its limit, and aquaculture is the only hope for meeting the world demand for fishery products. Aquaculture has grown rapidly in recent years and has promise for continued growth. However, to fulfil its potential role in the world food supply, the aquaculture industry must counter criticisms about adverse environmental effects and lack of sustainability. Many of the criticisms are unfounded or embellished, but some are based on observed impacts of specific aquaculture operations, and better environmental management is needed in aquaculture. Governments are the only entities with the authority to regulate aquaculture, but in many countries regulations are either lacking or unenforced. The aquaculture industry should be proactive and work towards developing and implementing systems of environmental management based on best management practices (BMPs) for preventing or mitigating adverse environmental impacts. This effort will prevent the criticisms from further tarnishing the image of aquaculture, and the BMPs can serve as a basis for future government regulation in many nations.