Aquaculture production Flashcards
What is aquaculture?
Aquaculture is the farming of aquatic organisms, including fish, molluscs, crustaceans, and aquatic plants, in controlled or semi-controlled environments. It is the fastest-growing animal food-producing sector.
What are the main types of aquaculture systems?
Water system:
- Freshwater production.
- Marine production.
- Brackish water production.
Nature of system (least to most intense)
- ponds
- cages
- raceways
- RAS (recirculating aquaculture systems)
What are the basic requirements for successful aquaculture?
Water: Quality and volume from sources like wells, rainwater, and streams.
Oxygen: Natural (photosynthesis) or artificial (oxygen injectors, aerators).
Food: Natural sources, live feeds, or formulated feeds.
Waste removal: Efficient systems to manage waste and prevent ammonia buildup.
Describe the main aquaculture culture systems.
Ponds: Enclosed areas relying on natural processes; least intense.
Cages: Easy to manage but exposed to predators and environmental issues.
Raceways: Rectangular systems using gravity flow; suitable for trout and carp.
RAS: Highly intensive, requiring less water but significant energy and expertise.
Why is fish welfare important in aquaculture?
Good welfare conditions reduce stress and disease, improve growth and food conversion rates, and result in better-quality products. Welfare ensures ethical and sustainable farming practices.
What are the three criteria for assessing animal welfare?
Normal biological functioning.
Positive emotional state.
Ability to express normal behaviors.
What are Operational Welfare Indicators (OWIs)?
Direct OWIs: Behavioral, physical, or physiological changes (e.g., opercular movement, skin condition).
Indirect OWIs: Environmental factors influencing welfare (e.g., water quality, stocking density).
OWIs can be individual- or group-based and must be validated for the species.
List examples of direct OWIs in aquaculture
Mortality.
Behavior changes.
Gill condition.
Fin or skin condition.
Presence of diseases or deformities.
List examples of indirect OWIs in aquaculture
Water quality (temperature, oxygenation, ammonia levels).
Feed quality and quantity.
Stocking density.
Lighting conditions.
What are the key regulatory bodies for fish welfare
Global: FAO’s Code of Conduct, Aquaculture Stewardship Council, Global GAP.
UK: RSPCA Assured, SSPO Code of Good Practice, Organic certification schemes.
What are the advantages and disadvantages of cage systems in aquaculture?
Advantages: Easy stocking, feeding, and harvesting.
Disadvantages: Limited environmental control, exposure to predators, and faster disease spread.
Why is water quality critical in aquaculture
Water parameters (e.g., oxygen, ammonia, temperature) directly impact fish health, growth, and welfare. Poor quality can lead to stress, disease, and mortality.
What are the challenges in improving aquaculture welfare?
Limited understanding of welfare-related biology for many species.
Need for validated OWIs across diverse species and systems.
Balancing ethical considerations with production efficiency.
What are the hazards caused by farming in aquatic environments?
pollution of water bodies due to increased organic load: survival of pathogens and multiplication of vectors
Water bodies give opportunity for spread of anti-microbial resistance due to easy mixing of bacteria, overuse of antibiotics
What are the risks of eating aquatic products (non-infectious contaminants)
Biological toxins from shell fish and fish
Food and waterborne diseases
