Mariculture and Biodiversity

Aquaculture experienced a drastic increase throughout the world with a range species from giant clam, \nmussels, oysters, carps, salmon, grouper, milkfish, catfish, pompano, and tuna cultured in diverse environments. \nDiversity observed from filter feeders, herbivore to highly carnivorous groups. Fish culture habitats also showed \nthe diversity from estuary, lakes, mangroves, coastline, inshore to offshore areas. Two major subsectors emerged \nin the aquaculture sector are the family and co-operative farms mainly follow the extensive and semi-intensive \npractices, whereas the commercial farms follow the intensive and semi-intensive practices to produce high \nvalued products for the global market. The aquaculture production can reduce the pressure on the capture \nproduction and can lower the investment in the fishing fleets and effort.