The Social and Economic Impacts of Semi-Intensive Aquaculture on Biodiversity

As aquaculture has become more intensive, so have its impacts on the environment and biodiversity. There is growing concern and debate about the impacts of intensive aquaculture on biodiversity. As a result, semi-intensive aquaculture is being considered as an alternative since it will have different and lesser potential impacts than intensive aquaculture and use more natural systems. The biophysical impacts of aquaculture on biodiversity have been examined but there is only limited understanding of the social and economic impacts, especially in a shift from intensive to semi-intensive aquaculture systems. Aquaculture can provide improvements in quality of life through employment and income; however it can also have negative impacts as a result of environmental damage, changes in property ownership patterns, displacement of traditional users, and economic losses. This paper will examine the social and economic impacts of moving from intensive to semi-intensive aquaculture systems, especially in developing countries. Recommendations will be presented on how to minimize social and economic disruptions from lower intensity aquaculture and on biodiversity.