Aquaculture

Aquaculture
Students Name
Institution
Aquaculture consists of farming of aquatic organisms. Aquaculture began in early 500 BCE where the Romans practiced farming of Mediterranean fish and Oysters. The issue with natural resources were identified during human activities of exploration. The initial responses regarded exploration for economic benefits. However, the exploration of natural resource such as water body created need for establishment of various authorities to create awareness for the need to use resources to sustainable levels. America culture has implemented authorities to create awareness to natural resources and also various environmental authorities have been established to address issues of aquatic explorations. Freshwater aquaculture began about 1000 years ago when China began farming aquatic organisms in fresh water (Beveridge, 2002). Middle ages during feudal Europe practiced aquaculture that incorporated farming of freshwater fish. However, aquaculture has undergone various transformations in a modern world. In the USA, aquaculture contributes about $945 million to the total GDP. However, aquaculture in the USA is practiced on a regional basis. Particularly, some states in the USA have put into place policies that encourage the farming of seafood. This has contributed to increases in annual seafood produced in the US (Agriculture Organization of the United Nations, 2000). In modern-day aquaculture act as the main source of seafood. Significant developments have been achieved in aquaculture by encouraging a large-scale practice of aquaculture.

In the real world, aquaculture acts as the main supply of fish for human consumption. Global production has increased to 74 million tones with an estimated value of $160.2 billion. However, aquaculture contributes to the growth of seaweeds which affects aquatic ecosystem. Globally, women account for 20% of a total number of the population practicing aquaculture. Aquaculture requires establishing of special areas for the farming. The average cost of establishing aquaculture is $1000 with personnel of about ten people for management purposes (Ahmed, 2002). Globally environmental programs have been put into place to prevent exploitation of freshwater while practicing aquaculture. The regulations enhance sustainable development for water bodies as natural resources.
Aquaculture has significant opportunities for change, for instance, technological innovations that contribute to more sustainable species. However, aquaculture is faced with a highly competitive global market. Also, the cost of financing aquaculture has increased due to many investors in the sector. Globally governments have taken initiatives that support aquaculture, for instance, offering subsidies agricultural sector.
References
Ahmed, M., & Lorica, M. H. (2002). Improving developing country food security through aquaculture development—lessons from Asia. Food Policy, 27(2), 125-141.
Agriculture Organization of the United Nations. Fisheries Department. (2000). The State of World Fisheries and Aquaculture, 2000 (Vol. 3). Food & Agriculture Org.
Beveridge, M. C., & Little, D. C. (2002). The history of aquaculture in traditional societies. Ecological aquaculture. The evolution of the Blue Revolution, 3-29.