The impacts of aquaculture on the environment can be minimized by implementing a variety of strategies. These strategies include:

1. Minimizing the use of chemical inputs: Aquaculture operations should strive to use minimal amounts of chemical inputs such as antibiotics and pesticides. This can be achieved by using alternative methods such as integrated pest management, which utilizes natural predators to control pests, and the use of probiotics to reduce the need for antibiotics.

2. Reducing water pollution: Aquaculture operations should strive to reduce water pollution by implementing best management practices such as proper waste management and water treatment. This can be achieved by using appropriate filtration systems, aeration systems, and sedimentation tanks. 3. Minimizing the spread of disease: Aquaculture operations should strive to minimize the spread of disease by implementing biosecurity measures such as the use of quarantine tanks and the implementation of strict cleaning protocols.

4. Utilizing closed-containment systems: Aquaculture operations should strive to use closed-containment systems, which are designed to contain and treat all water and waste within the system. This can help to reduce the spread of disease and minimize water pollution.

5. Utilizing sustainable feed sources: Aquaculture operations should strive to use sustainable feed sources such as plant-based feeds, which can reduce the need for fishmeal and fish oil.

By implementing these strategies, aquaculture operations can reduce their environmental impacts and help to ensure the sustainability of the industry.

Small scale systems and aquaponics to feed horticultural products can be a good method to reduce contamination because they would be closed systems implemented at home level.

Peter Donkor In my opinion, the strategies outlined in this response are effective and necessary for minimizing the environmental impacts of aquaculture operations. Minimizing the use of chemical inputs, reducing water pollution, and minimizing the spread of disease are all important steps for protecting the environment and promoting sustainable aquaculture practices. Utilizing closed-containment systems and sustainable feed sources can also help to reduce the environmental impacts of aquaculture operations and contribute to the sustainability of the industry. Overall, these strategies provide a comprehensive approach to addressing the environmental impacts of aquaculture and should be implemented in order to promote the long-term sustainability of the industry.

Ofelia Andrea Valdés Rodríguez In my opinion, small scale systems and aquaponics can be a good method for reducing contamination in horticultural products. Because these systems are typically implemented at the home level, they have the potential to be more closely monitored and controlled, which can help to reduce the risk of contamination. Additionally, closed systems like aquaponics can help to prevent the spread of contaminants from the environment, as all water and waste is contained within the system. However, it is important to note that proper management and maintenance of these systems is still necessary in order to ensure the safety and quality of the horticultural products produced.

A short summary of your question can be found in the figure I am sending you.

Best regards

Erick

Delfin-portela et al 2023

https://doi.org/10.3390/app13010570

Figure 16.

Bests regards

Erick Arturo Betanzo Torres thank you a lot for that information really its very nice information thank you again

The most productive aquaculture systems are/were fishweirs or bordigues on the Mediterranean coast, the equivalent found also in Brazil and probably other countries, Benin's acadjas (brush parks) are similar. The basic principle is to capture juvenile fish and other larvae in a coastal enclosure at high tide behind a weir and let them grow from the natural productivity in the enclosure. Just keeping predators at bay. They require socially responsible management for maintenance and waiting for the target harvest to have grown to size, thus reigning in the temptation of individuals to make an individual quick kill at the expense of the community. As individual short-term financial logics gain the overhand over care for the commons and fair sharing, many of these systems have collapsed. Not because they were technical inferior, but because of greed and private appropriation of the commons. There is a lesson or two for other systems as well in this story - we can also learn how to harness care for the commons again to the benefit of all. That makes rules enforceable as well, which is not the case when injustices and wealth differentials in society grow out of proportion. So, in my view the solutions are not only technical in the narrow sense of the term, but have a strong social component and relate to an underlying value we attribute to the commons and the common good.

Cornelia E. Nauen You are correct that there are social and value-based components to the success of aquaculture systems, such as fishweirs or bordigues. These systems can be highly productive when they are well-managed and there is a shared commitment to maintaining them for the benefit of the community. However, when individual interests or greed take precedence over the common good, these systems can be at risk of collapse. Ensuring that there are enforceable rules in place and that there is a shared commitment to the commons and the common good can help prevent the deterioration of these systems.

It's important to recognize that the success of aquaculture systems also depends on technical factors, such as the design and management of the system, the health of the fish and the surrounding ecosystem, and the availability of resources such as feed and water. By considering both the technical and social components, it is possible to create sustainable and productive aquaculture systems that benefit both the community and the environment.

Ahmad Al Khraisat, yes, technical factors such as the design of the system, water quality etc. are important for success. The interesting thing about naturally stocked sub-systems temporarily separated from their source ecosystem is that they do not rely so much on expensive and energy intensive feeds but more on ecological knowledge and experience of the managing community.

This is not to suggest they are a panacea everywhere, but to remind us that cleverly working with nature, using natural sun energy and ecosystem energy for enhancing life so that it comes to us to get a harvest is more interesting than mobilising huge and costly external energy (essentially fossils for fencing, feeds, medecation, waste water treatment etc) to run an artificial and risk-prone system. Depending which path we chose, we need different types of studies and skills.

very thanks Cornelia E. Nauen

Aquaculture, the cultivation of aquatic animals and plants, has the potential to provide a sustainable source of food and support economic development. However, it can also have negative impacts on the environment, such as the release of pollutants and disease, the spread of non-native species, and the loss of biodiversity. Here are some ways that the impacts of aquaculture on the environment can be minimized:

By implementing these and other best practices, it is possible to minimize the impacts of aquaculture on the environment and promote a more sustainable and responsible approach to the cultivation of aquatic animals and plants.

Yes, there are several strategies that can be adopted to minimize the environmental impacts of aquaculture. Some of these strategies are:

Tools are now available to reduce or avoid adverse impacts, either through prediction of holding capacities, nutritional improvement, water treatment, vaccination or integrated aquaculture. Genetic issues will have to be addressed during the forthcoming years.