Addressing the Impacts of Semi-Intensive Aquaculture on Biodiversity: Developing and Improving the Culture of Indigenous Species

The Aquaculture & Fisheries Collaborative Research Support Program (AquaFish CRSP), headquartered at Oregon State University, fosters advanced science, research, outreach, and education through international collaborative partnerships between US institutions and Host Country institutions in Asia, America, and Africa.  AquaFish CRSP focuses on balancing food safety and alleviating poverty with environmental conservation and best management practices.  The global expansion of small-scale aquaculture and its suitability as a sustainable food source for human use and income generation is contingent upon minimizing its environmental impacts and preserving biodiversity.  Towards this goal, AquaFish CRSP researchers identify potential impacts and develop solutions for mitigating negative implications.  Some of these impacts include:

• the escapement of aquatic species and their potential hazards as invasive species
• effluents, eutrophication, and changes in the flora/fauna of the receiving waters
• conversion of sensitive lands for use in aquaculture
• dependence on fishmeal and the reliance on wild stocks for fish feed, and
• pressure on wild stocks from the increased production of cultured species for consumption and stock enhancement.

Among a wide array of topics in aquaculture and fisheries, the AquaFish CRSP research portfolio includes investigations addressing each of these impacts in the broad subject of biodiversity conservation.  Specifically, the development of indigenous species aquaculture can be a means of addressing several of these issues simultaneously, helping to meet the challenges in food security of many developing countries.  Focusing on the culture of indigenous species helps to mitigate some of the deleterious impacts on biodiversity such as avoiding the risk of introducing invasive species.  It can also be a means to help preserve biodiversity by reducing the pressure on wild fisheries resources through stock enhancement.  However, the culture of indigenous species still demands a cautious and rational approach that accounts for potential shifts in market demand, proper broodstock management, and other best management practices.