It is important in this topic that the impacts OF the activity are not confused with the factors explaining the activity.
Environmental Impacts
It is often argued that aquaculture is highly positive for the environment as it displaces the need for unsustainable wild catch sourcing. This is not correct. Aquaculture can be highly detrimental if ecosystems are removed to produce aquaculture farming operations. This is particularly relevant for prawn farming which displaces mangrove forests.
In situ aquaculture of certain species can also be very high impact, particularly higher trophic species such as Salmon.
However, oyster and sea weed farming can be very positive for estuarine environments as there is pressure to maintain healthy ecosystems and a positive impact from the species themselves.
When aquaculture is practiced "ex situ" additional impacts come from water use, energy use and the type of stock feed required. If these factors can be sustainably sources then the impact is minimal.
In situ aquaculture of certain species can also be very high impact, particularly higher trophic species such as Salmon.
However, oyster and sea weed farming can be very positive for estuarine environments as there is pressure to maintain healthy ecosystems and a positive impact from the species themselves.
When aquaculture is practiced "ex situ" additional impacts come from water use, energy use and the type of stock feed required. If these factors can be sustainably sources then the impact is minimal.
Further reading on environmental impacts:
Huxhum, M. (2015) How shrimp farming wreaked havoc on Sri-Lanka's coasts
http://e360.yale.edu/feature/new_breed_of_ocean_farmer_aims_to_revive_global_seas/3040/?platform=hootsuite
Huxhum, M. (2015) How shrimp farming wreaked havoc on Sri-Lanka's coasts
http://e360.yale.edu/feature/new_breed_of_ocean_farmer_aims_to_revive_global_seas/3040/?platform=hootsuite
Social Impacts
Aquaculture can have a very positive impact on the development of local populations as it provides a readily available, high protein food source. Aquaculture projects also provide jobs for millions of people worldwide.
Aquaculture can also be an industry that is highly accommodating of female labour.
However, the high labour requirements and downward pressure on labour costs have resulted in poor working conditions. Thailand has been investigated by many NGOs for modern slavery in its shrimp industry. Greenpeace also alleges that there have been murders associated with shrimp farming in 11 countries.
The loss of local mangrove habitat also deprives communities of a large range of eco-services.
In many developing nations as aquaculture industries develop they are controlled by very few people and local people lose their land ownership to allow the development of industries.
Aquaculture can also be an industry that is highly accommodating of female labour.
However, the high labour requirements and downward pressure on labour costs have resulted in poor working conditions. Thailand has been investigated by many NGOs for modern slavery in its shrimp industry. Greenpeace also alleges that there have been murders associated with shrimp farming in 11 countries.
The loss of local mangrove habitat also deprives communities of a large range of eco-services.
In many developing nations as aquaculture industries develop they are controlled by very few people and local people lose their land ownership to allow the development of industries.
Further reading on social impacts:
UNDP (2015) Seaweed Cultivation ushers waves of change in the Sundarbans
UNDP (2015) Seaweed Cultivation ushers waves of change in the Sundarbans
Economic Impacts
There are positive and negative impacts arising from the economics of aquaculture.
Firstly, production in 2006 was reported to be 51.7 million tonnes with a value of US$78.8 billion. Some 58.3 million people were engaged in the primary sector of capture fisheries and aquaculture in 2012. Of these, 37 percent were engaged full time.
However, in places where aquaculture monocultures (especially shrimp) have been rapidly developed, pest and diseases have often annihilated the industry within a decade and people have begun replanting the mangroves that were originally removed.
Economic gains have often flowed to the wealthiest groups who are already able to control land. The poorer marginalised groups who rely on forest and wetlands for food collection are deprived of their lively hoods.
Firstly, production in 2006 was reported to be 51.7 million tonnes with a value of US$78.8 billion. Some 58.3 million people were engaged in the primary sector of capture fisheries and aquaculture in 2012. Of these, 37 percent were engaged full time.
However, in places where aquaculture monocultures (especially shrimp) have been rapidly developed, pest and diseases have often annihilated the industry within a decade and people have begun replanting the mangroves that were originally removed.
Economic gains have often flowed to the wealthiest groups who are already able to control land. The poorer marginalised groups who rely on forest and wetlands for food collection are deprived of their lively hoods.
Further Reading on economic impacts: