An assessment released a few days ago believes that by 2025, aquaculture products will likely remain the fastest growing food production system in the world.

The assessment made by Professor Donner of the University of Michigan in the United States pointed out that although some people are worried about the harmful effects of aquaculture, the continuous improvement of technology will no longer damage the biodiversity of other food production systems. In addition, due to the increase in population, aquaculture may be the only way to meet the increasing demand for aquatic products.

Downer pointed out that the total amount of capture fisheries has remained the same for the past 20 years. In contrast, aquaculture has increased by 8.8% since 1985 and now accounts for about one-third of total aquatic product production. Compared with export commodities such as meat, coffee, tea, bananas and rice, the export of aquatic products can bring more foreign exchange income to developing countries.

Downer said that the most harmful potential impact in aquaculture is the escape and invasion of cultured species and pollution of water sources, especially wastewater from freshwater aquaculture and land changes used for shrimp farming. Increasing demand for feed for fish products and diseases spread by captive wild populations are also harmful.

However, under the premise of strict regulations, aquaculture can reduce the pressure of overfishing of wild populations, protect endangered populations, and promote the natural production of fish and species diversity. According to Downer, in the aquaculture industry, some harmful effects have been greatly reduced and management techniques have also been improved. At the same time, the aquaculture industry also provides a large number of employment opportunities in developing countries.