Mariculture and Biodiversity

Aquaculture experienced a drastic increase throughout the world with a range species from giant clam, mussels, oysters, carps, salmon, grouper, milkfish, catfish, pompano, and tuna cultured in diverse environments. Diversity observed from filter feeders, herbivore to highly carnivorous groups. Fish culture habitats also showed the diversity from estuary, lakes, mangroves, coastline, inshore to offshore areas. Two major subsectors emerged in the aquaculture sector are the family and co-operative farms mainly follow the extensive and semi-intensive practices, whereas the commercial farms follow the intensive and semi-intensive practices to produce high valued products for the global market. The aquaculture production can reduce the pressure on the capture production and can lower the investment in the fishing fleets and effort