Tarek Fouda Tare
Abstract
The global aquaculture market is expected to reach a market value of USD 274.8 billion by the end of 2025. Rising fishing activities globally has led to the diminution of the aquatic ecosystem. Thus, aquaculture as an auxiliary to natural fishing is foreseeing a robust growth. Additionally, the increasing price of fishing operations owing to a sheer hike in fuel prices is also predicted to augment aquaculture adoption globally. Aquaculture or aqua-farming is the cultivation of fishes, mollusks, crustaceans and other aquatic organisms under controlled environments. It involves rearing, breeding and harvesting of different species of fishes in different type of water atmospheres. Aquaculture is contributory in creating healthier marine habitats and restoring & regenerating rare fish species. Efficient aquaculture practices can be safeguarded by gaining control over the quality of water and maintaining familiarity to improve the overall biological productivity. This is made conceivable by the introduction of more advanced technologies which are proficient in monitoring the quality of water, analyzing fish behavior as well as managing the facility logistics. With the advancement of Internet of things, the utilization of devices such as smart sensors to document the water quality and make adjustments to maintain best conditions has been activated. Most of the farmed fishes are utilized for food purpose due to the rising food demand across the globe. The consumer preference shifting towards seafood chiefly as a source of protein has bolstered the need for bizarre fish species thereby raising the overall demand for seafood. Asia Pacific dominated the global market with China leading the region’s production. Chinese aquaculture output accounted for more than 60 percent of total global output, according to the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nation. Aqua feed is carried out in this region on state farms, municipalities or through cooperative efforts.The developing countries in this region are taking up aquaculture to increase their economic health through seafood imports into the developed countries, where their demand is steadily rising. Aquaculture is carried out by private firms in developed regions such as Europe and North America. It is expected that these regions will grow well with modest expansions over the forecast period. It is recognized that aquaculture provides protein-rich food and is more efficient than any other animal’s production. Fishes possess the increased ability to convert nitrogen into tissue protein from aquafeed, making it a more effective protein source than cow or chicken. Seafood accounts for almost 16 percent of all animal protein consumption worldwide, and this ratio is expected to rise along with consumers with increasing demand for high nutritional value seafood. It is expected that the transition from extensive to intensive aquaculture will support the rising demand for marine food.