Aquaculture, << AK wuh `kuhl` chuhr, >> is the controlled raising of aquatic animals and plants. The word comes from Latin words meaning water and cultivation. The primary goal of the aquaculture industry is to produce food. About half of the world’s annual fish harvest comes from aquaculture. Some fish are raised for aquariums, or for release into the wild. In addition, some plants grown through aquaculture yield substances that are used as thickeners or gelling agents in foods and other products.
Aquaculture takes place in natural bodies of water, in enclosures built on land, or in artificial ponds or reservoirs. In natural bodies of water, the crop may be grown in nets or cages, attached to rafts, or seeded on the bottom. The animals or plants may be raised in fresh, brackish (slightly salty), or salt water. By controlling environment, nutrition, breeding, and life cycle, aquaculturists can improve the quality and productivity of their crops.
By weight, fish account for about 45 percent of the annual worldwide aquaculture production. Seaweeds account for about 30 percent. Mollusks—mainly oysters, mussels, and clams—make up about 15 percent. Crustaceans—mainly shrimp and prawns—account for about 10 percent of aquaculture production.
Aquaculture is an ancient occupation. Chinese people practiced aquaculture more than 2,500 years ago. The aquaculture industry expanded rapidly during the 1980’s and 1990’s. Worldwide production more than doubled from 1985 to 1995. Production in the United States nearly doubled during the same period. Today, China still ranks as the world leader in raising aquatic plants and animals. It accounts for about 60 percent of the world’s production.
