siliconindia | | AUGUST 202219Declining fish populations, coupled with human-led ocean pollution, and the deterioration of important coastal ecosystems threatens fishery and the resulting economic and food security in many parts of the world. These challenges are further complicated by the changes in the ocean caused by climate change, which may extend the range of some fisheries while dramatically reducing the sustainability of other fisheries.This is where Aquaculture fits in, as the pivotal piece of the puzzle. Given that over half of the fish consumed globally now comes from aquaculture, it has the potential to, therefore, respond to this increase in the demand of fish for human consumption, in order to meet demand and protein requirements.POTENTIAL OF AQUACULTUREWorld aquaculture production attained another all-time record high of 114.5 million tonnes in live weight in 2018. Aquaculture plays a critical role in feeding the world's growing population with healthy, lean protein in a sustainable manner. Aquaculture's primary responsibility is to efficiently supplement wild-caught fish options in order to increase the amount of seafood available globally.The aquaculture industry has also made significant progress in areas where environmental factors have had a negative impact on production quantity and quality. For instance, to reduce nitrogen excretion by fish, some feeds have been formulated with lipids instead of proteins as an energy source. Plant proteins with lower phosphorus levels are also used in feeds to reduce water pollution because most fish meals contain more phosphorus than fish can absorb.Typically, Aquaculture occurs anywhere where there is access to significant amount to water - in coastal ocean waters, freshwater ponds and rivers, and even tanks on land. Given the ease with which it can be set up, practiced and converted to a profitable, sustainable and secure business, it is in all our hands to work together to protect our oceans and seas while ensuring sustainable livelihoods, diets and development of humans in future.To ensure a food secure future for all, the aquaculture sector is key. The aquaculture industry has also made significant progress in areas where environmental factors have had a negative impact on production quantity and quality
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