Aquatic food production systems
Consequences of Increased Demand for Seafood
- Overfishing: Depletion of fish stocks, threatening ecosystem balance.
- Bycatch: Accidental capture of non-target species (e.g., dolphins, sea turtles).
- Ecosystem Disruption: Removal of keystone species destabilizes food webs.
- Economic Pressure: Increased competition for dwindling resources affects the livelihoods of fishing communities.
Increased demand for seafood has caused overexploitation of certain species.
Consequences of Overexploitation
- Biodiversity Loss: Decline in species populations and genetic diversity.
- Trophic Cascades: Imbalances in food webs, such as increased populations of prey species when predators are overfished.
- Economic Impact: Collapse of fisheries, reducing food security and income for millions.
- Habitat Destruction: Trawling and other unsustainable practices damage seabeds and coral reefs.
Marine Protected Areas (MPAs)
Unsustainable exploitation of freshwater and marine ecosystems and organisms can be mitigated through policy legislation addressing the fishing industry and changes in consumer behaviour. One such action can be the establishment of Marine Protected Areas. They are the regions of oceans or coasts designated for protection to conserve biodiversity and promote sustainable use.
Benefits:
- Replenishes fish stocks by providing safe breeding grounds.
- Protects vulnerable species and habitats.
- Enhances resilience of marine ecosystems to climate change.
Aquaculture
Aquaculture is the farming of aquatic organisms like fish, molluscs and aquatic plants. It has been increasing to meet the increased need for food and has supported economic growth, but it is associated with negative environmental impacts.
Advantages:
- Reduces pressure on wild fish stocks.
