Journal of Aquaculture Engineering and Fisheries Research

Reducing phosphorus emissions from net cage farming by changing diet

CC Figueredo^* Department of Botany, Federal University of Minas Gerais, Brazil
^*Correspondence: CC Figueredo, Department of Botany, Federal University of Minas Gerais, Brazil, Email:

Received: May 31, 2023, Manuscript No. JAEFR-23-108660; Editor assigned: Jun 02, 2023, Pre QC No. JAEFR-23-108660 (PQ); Reviewed: Jun 16, 2023, QC No. JAEFR-23-108660; Revised: Jun 21, 2023, Manuscript No. JAEFR-23-108660 (R); Published: Jun 28, 2023, DOI: 10.3153/JAEFR.9.6.060

Citation: CC Figueredo. Reducing phosphorus emissions from net cage farming by changing diet. J Aquacult Eng Fish Res. 2023; 9(6)

Introduction

Furthermore, Recirculating Aquaculture Systems (RAS) and IMTA allow for efficient water usage and recycling, reducing the environmental footprint of fish farming. RAS technology enables fish to be cultivated in land-based facilities, making it suitable for urban areas and reducing the pressure on water resources. The pursuit of sustainable aquaculture has driven innovation and research in the industry. Ongoing research focuses on developing alternative feeds for farmed fish to reduce the dependence on wild-caught fish for feed production. Plant-based diets, protein-rich microorganisms, and agricultural by-products are among the promising feed alternatives being explored. Technological advancements have also improved fish health management, disease prevention, and aquaculture facility design. These developments enhance the efficiency of fish farming operations and minimize the environmental impact. Climate change poses significant challenges to traditional fisheries, affecting fish migration patterns, water temperatures, and ocean currents. In contrast, aquaculture offers a controlled environment that can adapt to changing climatic conditions. Fish farmers can adjust water temperature, salinity, and other parameters to optimize fish growth and survival, making aquaculture a more resilient industry in the face of climate change. This adaptability contributes to the diversification of income sources for fishing communities, reducing their vulnerability to climate-related disruptions.

Description

Consumers increasingly seek assurance that the seafood they purchase is sustainably sourced. To meet this demand, several certification schemes have been developed to identify responsible aquaculture practices. These include the Aquaculture Stewardship Council (ASC), Best Aquaculture Practices (BAP), and Global GAP. Sustainable seafood certification schemes encourage fish farmers to adopt environmentally friendly practices, promoting transparency, and enhancing consumer confidence. By supporting certified aquaculture products, consumers actively contribute to the promotion of sustainable fish farming and the protection of marine ecosystems. Responsible aquaculture practices can also support aquatic biodiversity conservation. Integrated Multi-Trophic Aquaculture (IMTA), for example, involves cultivating multiple species in a symbiotic relationship. The waste products of one species serve as nutrients for another, creating a balanced ecosystem that minimizes environmental impacts and promotes biodiversity. Furthermore, by reducing the demand for wild-caught fish through fish farming, the pressure on endangered and vulnerable fish species is reduced, allowing these populations to recover and contribute to marine biodiversity conservation. Fish farming provides numerous social benefits, particularly in rural and coastal communities. By creating employment opportunities and generating income, aquaculture empowers individuals, supports families, and improves overall well-being. In many developing countries, fish farming has played a significant role in poverty reduction, providing a reliable income source for small-scale farmers.

Conclusion

Additionally, aquaculture can serve as a tool for women's empowerment, as it often offers opportunities for women to participate in various aspects of fish farming. Fish escaping from aquaculture facilities can pose a threat to wild fish populations by competing for resources, interbreeding, and introducing diseases. The reliance on wild-caught fish as feed for farmed fish, particularly carnivorous species like salmon, raises concerns about the sustainability of the practice and its impact on global fish stocks.