Aquaculture Taking a Deep Dive

The global food system faces many complex challenges, including hunger, malnutrition and diet-related diseases, an ever-growing global population that needs sufficient and healthy food, the need to reduce food loss and waste, the depletion of natural resources and effects of climate change, as well as the effects of the current COVID-19 pandemic and continued conflicts.

This year has been declared the International Year of Artisanal Fisheries and Aquacultur e , which is an opportunity to highlight the importance of small-scale artisanal fisheries and aquaculture for our food systems, livelihoods, culture and the environment.

Let’s take a deep dive into Aquaculture and Fisheries!

What is the difference between Aquaculture and Fisheries?

A fishery is an area where fish are caught for commercial or recreational purposes; while aquaculture is the farming of aquatic organisms such as fish, shellfish and plants. It is the cultivation of both marine and freshwater species and can range from land-based to open-ocean production. Some examples are conch, oysters, seaweed, sea vegetable cultivation and tropical marine and freshwater fish.

What are the benefits of Aquaculture to Jamaica?

1. Aquaculture plays a tremendous role in food and security. Tilapia is one of the cheapest forms of animal protein. We should also look into the production of oysters and sea vegetables as sources of food.

2. Aquaculture helps to reduce the reliance and impact on wild stock. Marine aquacultured species can be used to sustainably repopulate the diminishing species in the Caribbean Sea. For example culturing and restocking of conch.

3. Aquaculture production can be a source of income for parents to work from home. As we continue into the years of COVID, culturing sea vegetables, hydroponics, aquarium fish and ornamental plants can empower women to work from home. Women can provide for their households, balance childcare and household duties.

What are the challenges facing the sector?

1. Good management practices and record keeping

2. Financing and business services

3. Sharing resources and farmers working together

4. Praedial larceny

5. Farmers have to live on the production premises which are usually remote

6. There are no resources for small backyard fish

What are the primary threats to Aquaculture?

3. Chemicals being used by the workers can have some potential harm to on the ecosystem. ( fish farmers rely on antibiotics etc. which contaminate the water)

What mitigation techniques do you

1. Environmental agencies should play a big part in any aquaculture venture.

2. We need a multisector approach to aquaculture.

3. A business plan must be created for new and old

What are the opportunities for the aquaculture sector in Jamaica and the

The potential for aquaculture relies on an interest coming from all sectors to work togetherscientific research, NGOs, educational institutions, extension, veterinary services. Pooling resources from all sectors will make it a viable industry.