what is aquaculture .history of aquaculture and major classification of aquaculture and difference between fisheries and aquaculture

 AQUACULTURE

• CONCEPT AND DEFINITION  

The farming of aquatic organisms such as fish, crustaceans, mollusks, plants, crocodiles, alligators, and amphibians is known as aquaculture.

• ORIGIN 

Aqua- means "water," and culture means "cultivating, breeding."

Aquaculture is typically the rearing of organisms from fry to juveniles. Aquaculture can be done in ponds, paddy fields, lagoons, estuaries, irrigation canals, or the sea, and structures such as cages and tanks can be used.

• Historical Perspective

Aquaculture has been practiced for over 4000 years. It started in China, possibly due to an emperor's desire for a constant supply of fish. The techniques for keeping fish in ponds are thought to have originated in China with fishermen who kept their excess catch alive temporarily in baskets submerged in rivers or small bodies of water created by damming one side of a river bed.
Another possibility is that aquaculture evolved from ancient fish trapping practices, with operations gradually progressing from trapping-holding to trapping-holding-growing, and finally into full husbandry practices.

• Major Classification Of Aquaculture 

A) Based on type of habitat(water)

i. Aquaculture in freshwater

ii. Aquaculture in saltwater

iii. Aquaculture in brackish water

iv. Aquaculture in waste water.

B) Based on the water flow characteristics

i. flowing water

ii. stagnant water.

C) Based on type of culture organism

1. Fish Culture

a) Fresh water

Rohu, Mahasher, Carp (Thela), Baitfish, Catfish, Crawfish, Fathead Minnows, Golden Shiners, Goldfish, Hybrid Striped Bass, Prawn, Tilapia, Trout .

b) Marine Water

) Jewfish, croakers, grunters, snappers, groupers, ribbonfish, flounder, cod, and tuna in the sea.

2) Crustaceoun farming

Crabs, lobsters, crayfish, and shrimps.

3) Molluscan Farming

It include organisms belonging to the phylum Mollusca e.g abalones, oysters, mussels, scallops, clams and squids.

4)Amphibians Farming

Frog legs are considered a gourmet food. Demand for frogs far exceed therefore most frogs are raised in the wild. Bull frogs, common Skittering Frog, Marbled Balloon Frogs  etc.

5) Reptiles Farming

Alligators, Crocodiles were hunted to a point near extinction. Their hides (skins) are very valuable. They are sold to make bags, boots, shoes and various other leather type goods. Meat is very tasty and is sold to restaurant.

6)  Seaweed Farming

Seaweed farming or kelp farming is the practice of cultivating and harvesting seaweed. In its simplest form, it consists of the management of naturally found in bunch. e.g Red algae, Green algae, Brown alga.

• The distinction between aquaculture and fishing

Fisheries vs. Aquaculture

Fisheries deal with fish or shellfish. They are primarily concerned with catching, processing, and selling fish. Aquaculture, on the other hand, is concerned with the cultivation of both aquatic animals and aquatic plants. Aquaculture, also known as "fish farming," is the natural or controlled cultivation of shellfish, fish, and seaweed in both freshwater and saltwater environments.

Aquaculture and fisheries are inextricably linked, with little distinction between the two. Aquaculture and fisheries are both concerned with the production and distribution of fish and aquatic products. Though aquaculture and fisheries have many similarities, they also have some differences.

Fisheries are solely concerned with the capture of wild fish or the raising and harvesting of fish through aquaculture or fish farming. Aquaculture, on the other hand, is more than just growing and harvesting fish. Aquaculture is the study of all aspects of marine life.

Aquaculture is the production and marketing of shrimp, oysters, and other aquatic animals.

Another distinction is that pearls are a product that can only be obtained through

aquaculture rather than fisheries.

Despite minor differences, "fishery" is a term that is very closely related to aquaculture. Fisheries and aquaculture contribute to the sustainability of fish populations while also allowing them to grow.

Wild fisheries provide 90 percent of the fish and shellfish harvested. However, the wild fisheries stock has been declining in recent years, and aquaculture is thought to be a viable option for sustaining these stocks.

There are various types of fishing and aquaculture. While fisheries can be either saltwater or freshwater, wild or farmed, aquaculture can be either mariculture or an integrated multi-trophic aquaculture.

• Main Points 

1. Fisheries are interested in fish. They are primarily concerned with catching, processing, and selling fish. In the meantime, aquaculture refers to the cultivation of both aquatic animals and aquatic plants. 

2. Unlike fisheries, which are only concerned with catching wild fish or raising and harvesting fish, aquaculture is a science that is concerned with all aspects of marine life. 

3. Unlike fisheries, which can be saltwater or freshwater, wild or farmed, aquaculture can be Mari culture or integrated multitrophic aquaculture. 

4. Pearls are a product obtained exclusively through aquaculture rather than fisheries.

5. Wild fisheries account for approximately 90% of all fish and shellfish harvested. As wild fisheries stocks have declined in recent years, aquaculture is seen as a means of sustaining these stocks.

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