Food Production

Question 1

Why is fish farming done?

Answer 1

• Overfishing had led to a decline in fish populations - fish farming means we are not reliant on fish populations and also do not contribute to overfishing
• Fish is very important as a source of lean protein and not having a high carbon footprint
• Many factors are controlled to ensure the highest yield possible which cannot be done with wild fishing

Question 2

How is water quality, predation and disease controlled in a fish farm to ensure optimal yield?

Answer 2

• Water is constantly filtered to ensure high levels of oxygen (for respiration) and to remove harmful pathogens which may kill fish
• Fish and seperated by age and size so they don’t fight eachother, and different species are seperated - this is done through nets, fences or separate tanks
• A net is put over the top to prevent predation from land (e.g. birds)
• Antibiotics are given to fish, and they are kept in small, separate groups to prevent the rapid spread of diease

Question 3

How are levels of waste products, levels and frequency of feeding and the use of selective breeding controlled to ensure optimal yield?

Answer 3

• Waste products such as faeces and urine are constantly filtered out to ensure high water quality
• Fish are fed nutrient dense food to ensure optimal growth and in quantities but frequently to prevent overeating or them eating eachother
• Fish are seperated by gender so that farmers can only allow the breeding of the fish who grow the fastest and biggest and are resistant to disease